For Alex Chiasson, it is a privilege to play in the National Hockey League (NHL). If the Quebecer admits that he hates professional trials, they have always allowed him to win a contract.
“It’s annoying. It’s hard. I won the cup in 2018 [avec les Capitals de Washington] and I had to go to Edmonton for a professional tryout. I set off with my backpack and a suitcase, but didn’t know where I would end up. In the end, I had my best year of my career with 22 goals,” the 32-year-old striker recalled at a press conference on Friday.
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Speaking to members of the Boston media was Chiasson, who was invited to the Bruins’ training camp. The right winger knows the city well, having played for the Boston University Terriers between 2009 and 2012.
“I had a whole series of professional trial offers on the table,” he revealed. At this point in my career, two things were important to me when looking for a team. Firstly, is there a chance for me to get a job? There are teams that already have a lot of attackers or are not necessarily close to winning.
“That brings me to my second point: I wanted to develop through competitive training,” Chiasson continued. This organization is one of the best. I’ve been playing for 12 years and they’ve always been at the top.”
No regret
The Montrealer wants to take advantage of every opportunity to stay at the highest level. Since 2017, he has convinced the Capitals, Oilers, Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings to offer him a contract after a professional tryout.
Last year he had to go through the American League, but he was still called up to the NHL with the Wings.
“I could have taken the easy way out,” said Chiasson, referring to retirement. Every chance I got I fought to believe in it and for me it was always important to play in the NHL. I played 650 games, won a trophy, played with some of the best players in history and this sport has given me so much. I want to keep going and make the most of it.”
In the Bruins’ camp, he has to compete with forwards like Danton Heinen and AJ Greer for a spot at the big club and keep an eye on young talents Fabian Lysell, John Beecher and Jakub Lauko.
“It will be a tough camp with a lot of guys fighting for position. This isn’t my first time and it’s always worked for me. That doesn’t mean it’s easy,” he testified.
Chiasson has come full circle, as he has heard rumors of a return to Boston throughout his career. According to him, the Massachusetts city is the closest thing to a Canadian market.
Luckily, he knows how to handle pressure.