Alex Chiasson signs a professional tryout (PTO) contract

The former Oilers forward looks forward to a fresh start.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 2 years ago
Alex Chiasson signs a professional tryout (PTO) contract
Zuma Press

According to multiple reports, veteran forward Alex Chiasson has signed a professional tryout (PTO) contract with the Vancouver Canucks.

Check it out:



The Montreal native skated in 45 games for the Edmonton Oilers last season, putting up nine goals and 16 points in 45 games. He put up a career high 22 goals and 38 points in 2018-19 with the Oilers, playing mostly alongside superstar Connor McDavid. But... let's get real... a trash can could put up 22 goals on McDavid's wing. Just head to the net and wait until Connor puts the puck on your stick for the easy tally.

In all seriousness though, Chiasson is likely a replacement for injured Canucks forward Tyler Motte. With Motte out of training camp due to an injury and with superstar Elias Pettersson out of camp due to contract negotiations, the Canucks simply need some warm bodies to fill out the lineup. Why not give Chiasson a shot to make an impression while also pushing your young players along at training camp? Smart move by Canucks management, in my opinion.

It'll be interesting to see if Chiasson lands himself an NHL deal, either with the Canucks or another team, as a result of this PTO. He earned a whopping $2.15 million each season the past two years thanks to a massive overpayment from Oilers GM Ken Holland. Chiasson won't get anywhere that kind of money if he ends up signing another deal, but he can still provide value to a team on a short term, low money deal. You can't coach size and at 6 foot, 4 inches and 210 pounds, with a long reach Chiasson is a big, powerful forward with the willingness to go into the tough areas of the ice. He's not a grinder by any means, but he's not afraid to get his nose dirty and he'll head into the corner or crash the front of the net if the play warrants it. 

Frankly, I don't think he'd be a good fit for the Canucks but I wouldn't be surprised if he has a good camp and ends up getting a contract elsehwere in the NHL. Here's hoping the big man can find a new fit.