Oilers sign Alex Chiasson

As per Jason Gregor (and confirmed by the team), the Edmonton Oilers have signed F Alex Chiasson to a one-year deal worth approximately $625,000.

Whether or not this deal also contains an NMC remains to be seen.

Chiasson, 28, represents a serviceable NHL veteran who looks slated to slot in beside newly-reacquired Kyle Brodziak on what the Oilers hope is an improved fourth line. Don’t be surprised to see him out there in 4v5 situations as well. Chiasson posted a reasonable 9-9-18 in 61 GP with the Washington Capitals last season before romping to 1-1-2 in 16 GP in the playoffs en route to a Stanley Cup last season.

This move is reasonable for the Oilers. Chiasson is a young-for-a-veteran fourth line player who has been part of units just shy of sawing off their opposition the last three seasons in both attempts and goals, with a CF% of 47.06% and a GF% of 48.15%. For context, Drake Caggiula’s CF% was pretty close last year, but his GF% was a shade over 38%. For more context, Alex Chiasson has been on the ice for 6 more goals against than scored in the past three seasons, while Caggiula was on the ice for 14 more goals against last season alone. (all data via Corsica.hockey)

If Chiasson helps the Oilers ice a fourth line that comes closer to not getting demolished at EV, this move offers some upside to the Oilers. If he doesn’t? He cost them nil, but these are the sort of bets you can actually sort of get behind. If the Oilers had signed a similarly-profiled player in lieu of Garrison, I’d have liked that one more, too.