The Ottawa Senators have dealt forward Alex Chiasson to the Calgary Flames in exchange for defenseman Patrick Sieloff.
It had long been rumored that the Sens were looking to move Chiasson after he’d failed to live up to the promise of his rookie year with the Dallas Stars. That season he scored 13 goals and 35 points. It was impressive enough to make him a key piece of the trade that sent Jason Spezza to Dallas, where he has thrived.
In two seasons with Ottawa, Chiasson posted 19 goals and 40 points through 153 games.
Almost immediately after the trade, Chiasson signed a one-year pact with the Flames worth $800,000. That comes in a good sight below the $1.2 million that would have been required in a qualifying offer, as Chiasson was set to become a restricted free agent. It’s essentially a bridge deal for the 25-year-old. He’ll be an RFA at the end of the season.
Playing a factor in the trade was no doubt that incoming Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan was previously the head coach of the AHL Stars, where Chiasson played during his time in the Dallas organization. Chiasson played well under Gulutzan, scoring 13 goals and 35 points in 57 games during his only full AHL season.
Coming back to Ottawa is Sieloff, a 22-year-old defender who was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2012 entry draft. He’s seen just one game of NHL action and is expected to spend most of his time with the Binghamton Senators in the AHL.