Bruins Newly Acquired Forward is betting on himself for a shot with the Boston Bruins

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Hunter Bowman
September 12, 2023 (9:06 PM)

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Alex Chiasson is embracing another opportunity to prove himself as he readies for the 2023-24 Boston Bruins training camp on a professional tryout.

This isn't Chiasson's first time taking the PTO route. It marks the fifth time the 32-year-old, 6-foot-4, 208-pound winger and former Boston University forward is attempting to secure a spot on an NHL roster through a professional tryout. Following his initial skate with his potential new teammates during Captain's practice, Chiasson didn't sugarcoat the challenges he faces in his situation.

He candidly remarked,

"It sucks. It's tough. I won a (Stanley) Cup in 2018, and I had to go to Edmonton on a PTO. I left with my backpack and a suitcase, and you don't really know where you're going to end up. I ended up having my best year of my career that year, I had 22 goals."

Chiasson acknowledges the hurdles but also values the privilege of playing in the NHL. He understands the importance of giving it his all, saying,

"I think as I've gotten older, I've realized that � and I've always said this: It's a privilege to play in the NHL. You can't take this for granted, and I know one day when I stop playing, whenever that is, that I really put it all out there. I could have taken the easy way out, but whatever opportunity that came my way, I fought for what I believe in, and that's to play in the NHL."

Last season, Alex Chiasson made his mark with six goals and three assists in 20 games for the Detroit Red Wings. He also had a productive stint with the Red Wings' AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, tallying nine goals and 11 assists in 29 games.

The Dallas Stars initially drafted Chiasson in the second round (38th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. After his college career at Boston University, he signed an entry-level contract with the Stars, eventually making his NHL debut in the 2012-13 season.

Chiasson has since played for several teams, including the Ottawa Senators, Calgary Flames, Washington Capitals (where he won the Stanley Cup in 2017-18), Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, and most recently, the Detroit Red Wings.

Now, Chiasson sees a chance to join another Stanley Cup contender in the Boston Bruins.

He's one of many forwards competing for a spot in the Bruins' bottom-six forward group, with the team adding several names to its roster this offseason, including Morgan Geekie, Milan Lucic, Jesper Boqvist, Patrick Brown, John Farinacci, and James van Riemsdyk.

Source: Bostonhockeynow