A serviceable and versatile bottom-six forward, Chipchura finished with 76 points in 319 games with the Coyotes, but was not retained after the season with the club moving in another direction under new management. He has the ability to fit on any team given his age, experience and skill set, but some teams prefer to reserve lineup spots for rookies and younger players, which means that Chipchura may not find a new home until late in the summer or after the season starts.
Chipchura once again served as a depth center for the Coyotes last season and produced 14 points and a minus-23 rating, largely while skating on the fourth line. He's expected to skate in the bottom-six ranks in 2015-16, although he faces more competition coming into camp this year. His versatility will probably ensure he has a role on the team, but his fantasy appeal is limited.
The Coyotes took notice of Chipchura at the end of the 2011-12 playoffs and he made his presence felt again during the lockout shortened season. The gritty fourth-liner was rewarded with a new multi-year contract to remain in the desert after he put up 14 points, including five goals, in 46 games. He also chipped in 50 PIMs and 61 hits. He will have an opportunity to carve out a bigger role in the offense next season, but don't overrate him on draft day.
Chipchura signed a one-year deal with the Coyotes after scoring 16 points in 53 games at the NHL level despite starting the year in Portland (AHL). Chipchura's surprising offensive output solidified his role with the team for at least another season as his gritty, grind-it-out style of offense fits in well with coach Dave Tippett's system.
The Coyotes are looking to bolster their depth at center and that's where Chipchura comes in, signing a one-year, two-way deal with Phoenix in July. Chipchura spent the 2010-11 season in Anaheim, where he tallied two points and 32 PIMs through 40 games. He'll likely assume a role on one of the lower lines with the 'Yotes.
Even though Chipchura compiled most of his points in a Ducks' sweater in 2009-10, his production was modest at best, with six goals and six assists. He took to the dump-and-chase style of the Ducks' system and settled into his role as a fourth-line center. For 2010-11, he won't be a top skater but he'll see regular shifts on the bottom six, including the penalty kill. If he can score 20-25 points with around 10 goals, that will be a bonus.
Chipchura does have some hands, scoring Chipchura 40 points over 65 games between AHL Hamilton and the Canadiens roster, but his immediate future is as a checking line center. He's currently battling Maxim Lapierre fo rthat gig in Montreal. Even if he previals in that battle, Chipchura will have no fantasy value this season unless injuries befall at least two centers from the top three lines.
Chipchura eventually projects as a third-line center in the NHL. He may be ready for fourth line duty this year but would have no relevance in roto leagues.
