Alex Chiasson

 

Observations:

 

September 2014 – Alex Chiasson has been a refreshing player to watch for Sens fans so far this season. Chiasson has tremendous speed, especially when entering the offensive zone. He plays give-and-go through the neutral zone with ease (for those that can keep up) and has an effective, quick release on his wrist shot. Chiasson has scored in both games he’s played for the Senators this pre-season, including a shorthanded tally against the Maple Leafs that saw the Quebec-native steal a puck at his own blue line, and surge to beat James Reimer short side on a breakaway. Just to drive the point home, Chiasson scored in the shootout on a quick release to the same side. The sky is the limit for this player. Although he’s slotted to play on Ottawa’s third line, centered by David Legwand, it’s likely he sees top-six minutes. Nathan Martin

 

April 2014 – Continuing to fight for their playoff lives, the Stars notched their fifth victory in the last six contests by routing the Capitals 5-0 at the Verizon Center on April 1. Marking his fifth multiple point effort of the season and first since Dec. 31, Chiasson's three assists and plus-3 overall rating guided the Stars into sole position of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Assisting on forward Dustin Jeffrey's first goal of the season midway through the second period, just 34 seconds after assisting on Ray Whitney's ninth goal of the season, Chiasson's playmaking abilities and presence around the front of the net appeared to be on full display in Washington on Tuesday. "Chiasson went to the net and caused havoc there. He drew attention," Jeffrey told the Stars official website. "Trevor Daley made a nice play to get the puck on net and with some of our bigger forwards getting to the net to create havoc, I was able to get the rebound. It was credit to Chaser for getting there." Chiasson would go on to record his third assist of the game on yet another Jeffrey tally midway through the third and final frame, improving to 6th in rookie point scoring this season (13 goals, 22 assists). The 23-year-old looks to continue to add secondary scoring for the Stars in Carolina as they're set to face the Hurricanes in what is yet another pivotal contest to remain in the Western playoff picture. Clayton Bailey

 

March 10, 2014 – While the Dallas Stars continue to make a run for their first playoff appearance in five seasons, Chiasson's offensive contribution has come back to life at just the right time of year. After recording zero points in the month of February (five games, five shots), he's notched points in consecutive games for the first time since October 11, while seeing an increase in playing time on the team's top power play unit. The 23-year-old's seemingly diminishing role just weeks ago has turned into a focal point in the Stars' offensive game plan, tallying three crucial points in the last four contests (two goals, one assist), including one game-winning goal against the Sabres on March 3. Logging in 17:44 (5:32 on the power play) in the Stars' 4-3 comeback thriller over the Wild on March 8, including putting Dallas up 2-1 in the second period with the man advantage, Chiasson found himself only behind Tyler Seguin, Cody Eakin and Jamie Benn in leading ice time for Stars' forwards. Looking to stay hot after winning seven of their last ten games, Chiasson and the Stars currently hold sole position of the Western Conference's eighth and final playoff spot heading into Monday's contest against Columbus. Clayton Bailey

 

March 2014 – Snapping a 12-game scoring drought, Chiasson's third period power-play goal led the Stars to a 3-2 win at home over the Sabres on March 3. Deflecting captain Jamie Benn's slap shot from the point that beat goaltender Jhonas Enroth midway through the third and final frame, Chiasson's 10th tally of the season carried the Stars to their fifth win in their last seven contests (5-1-1), "I wish it went off my stick," Chiasson told the Stars official website, "It hit me in the shin guard there." Logging 15:03 of ice time, including quality minutes on the team's number one power-play unit, Chiasson's game-leading seven shots on goal provided what were some of the top scoring chances for Dallas. “He’s looked refreshed, energized since he has come back [from the Winter Olympic break] ,” Stars coach Lindy Ruff told the Stars official website. “He just needed one to go in. He was in the right spot there and he got a piece of Benner’s shot.” Currently sitting in sole position of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, the 23-year-old looks to start a new streak as the Stars are set for their first back-to-back game since Feb. 5, facing the Blue Jackets in Columbus on Tuesday, "I think once they start going in, hopefully I can stay hot and put a streak together." Clayton Bailey

 

February 2014 – Chiasson snapped a five game point drought in the Stars' 3-2 overtime loss against the Devils on Jan. 30. Marking the game-tying assist to Tyler Seguin's late third period goal, he finally got the monkey off his back after having not recorded a point since Jan. 18. Featured on a line alongside veterans Ray Whitney and Shawn Horcoff, Chiasson finds himself ranked tied for eighth in rookie point scoring (25) this season. Clayton Bailey

 

December 2013 – Chiasson tallied two assists in the Stars 3-2 win at home against the Colorado Avalanche on Dec. 17. The former 38th overall selection in 2009 ranks third on the team in goals (8) and points (18) through 33 NHL games this season. Despite becoming somewhat of a defensive liability (minus-11 rating), Chiasson's vision and presence in the offensive zone has become one of the focal points to coach Lindy Ruff's game plan in Dallas. The 23-year old will continue to shuffle up and down the lineup but will have a plethora of opportunities to put pucks in the net as the Stars continue to battle for a playoff position on a nightly basis. Clayton Bailey

 

November 2013 – Recording nine points (five goals, four assists) in his first ten games to start the season, Chiasson continued his hot streak since being called up from the Texas Stars (AHL) in April. Seeing consistent playing time on the Stars' second scoring line alongside forwards Ray Whitney and Cody Eakin, he currently leads the team in game winning goals (2) and shots (50) to begin the new season. The 23-year old has quickly become a focal point in Lindy Ruff's offensive gameplan and expects to continue to be highly involved moving forward. Clayton Bailey

 

April 2013 – Since being called up to Dallas on April 2, Alex has racked up six goals and an assist in his first six NHL games. After trade deadline moves opened a roster spot for him, Alex was slotted on the top line with Jamie Benn and Ray Whitney and has looked right at home in the role. He has a nose for the net and does all the little things right, boding well for his future in Big D. His ice time has inched upward to around 16 or 17 minutes (including added PP time) and he hasn't let Coach Glen Gulutzen down for that decision. Rex Doty

 

March 2012 – Chiasson signed an entry-level contract with Dallas, and was sent to Texas (AHL). Rex Doty

 

February 2012 – Currently a junior at Boston University, Chiasson has been a consistent producer for the Terriers.  Chiasson, following up 19 and 34 point seasons with 35 in his first 29 games in 2011-12, is more of a playmaker than scorer. Rich Dillon

 

 

Fantasy Outlook: B+

No longer just a prospect, Chiasson has proved he belongs in the NHL for many years to come. With the supporting cast around him and the mass opportunities given by coach Lindy Ruff, labeling Chiasson a perennial 20-goal scorer may not be far-fetched.

 

Footage:

 

Alex Chiasson interview:

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