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Chaput saw very little NHL time in 2019-20, appearing in just two NHL games. He was better with AHL Tucson, where he had 16 goals and 29 points in 47 contests in his second year in the Coyotes' organization. At 28 years old, Chaput is unlikely to take a significant step forward in his development, but the Coyotes could make use of him as center depth. The Quebec native is all but guaranteed to spend the bulk of the 2020-21 season in the press box or in the minors.
Chaput accumulated five assists and 53 hits in 32 games with the Canadiens before being traded to the Coyotes at the deadline. He spent the rest of the season at AHL Tucson, producing 16 points in as many games, which gave him 32 in 40 contests when factoring in his time with AHL Laval. He's entering a contract year, but Chaput is likely to stick around as organizational depth. He's on a two-way contract, so there's also a strong chance he'll remain with AHL Tucson.
Chaput spent last season with AHL Utica, scoring 42 points in 55 games as a key member of the team. His contract was not renewed by the Canucks and instead he signed a two-year, two-way contract with his hometown Habs. At best, the Quebec native is a fourth-line center, but also a shaky one as a full-time option. That Chaput agreed to a two-way contract is telling of where his career is right now, and in all likelihood, he will spend the rest of his playing years as a minor-league journeyman who has the ability to contribute during the occasional call-up.
Chaput made his NHL debut last season, but managed just one assist in 17 games for Columbus. His numbers in Springfield were very good (19 goals and 45 points in 55 games), and his size and well-rounded game could find a home on a bottom-six line down the road, but in the short term he'll likely continue act as minor league depth for the Jackets.
Chaput's first pro season was unremarkable, with 13 goals and 32 points in 73 games for AHL Springfield, but the 21-year-old still has plenty of time to develop into a dependable checking forward.
A QMJHL product who needs to bulk up a bit, Chaput has shown the potential to be a solid two-way center who can anchor a checking line and supply a bit of offense. He's likely a couple of years away from threatening for a spot on the NHL roster, though.
Chaput spent his last year in the QMJHL working on his defense and secondary skills without losing any of his offensive touch, and as a result he's turned himself into an intriguing two-way center prospect who could be a third line fixture in a couple of years.
The Flyers took Chaput 88th overall this past June, and the 18-year old has a ways to go before reaching the parent club. He reports being 100 percent healthy after undergoing shoulder surgery a year ago.
