The latest in a series on top prospects of the Dallas Stars looks at right wing Alex Chiasson, who wrapped up his college career at Boston University this past season and then played briefly with the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League.
Chiasson, who was a junior, led BU in scoring with 46 points (15 goals, 31 assists) in 38 games. His 46 points were fourth among all Hockey East players and tied him for 15th among all players nationally.
The 21-year-old Quebec native got off to a slow start, but picked up points in 18 of his final 22 games, registering 32 points (10 goals, 22 assists) during that stretch.
“I stepped up after Christmas and had a solid second semester,” Chiasson said. “It was a great year in that we made it to the tournament. We had a good team, good young guys and good chemistry. I was just trying to be a leader in my third year and tried to lead by example.”
A couple days after Boston University was knocked out of the NCAA tournament by Minnesota, Chiasson signed an entry-level contract with Dallas and then joined the Texas Stars. He played nine games with Texas, picking up five points (one goal, four assists).
“He’s a big man, right shot. He’s more cerebral than I thought he was. He’s been well coached,” said Scott White, Texas Stars GM and Dallas Stars Director of Minor League Operations. “The detail of his game defensively is good, he makes good decisions with the puck, he’s strong along the wall and I sense that will improve because he’ll get some added strength over the summer, which he needs. He’s got a big frame; he just needs to fill out a little bit.”
Chiasson is listed at 6-4, 202 pounds. He was a second round pick (38th overall) in 2009. He’s expected to start next season with the Texas Stars, but should get a good look at training camp in the fall.
“He had three good seasons at Boston University and he stepped into Texas and didn’t miss a beat,” said Les Jackson, Dallas Stars Director of Player Personnel. “He was a good player in all the games he played there. Like all these young guys, it opens their eyes to what they have to expect at the next level.
“He definitely has the physical attributes and the talent to be a good pro. It will just be a matter of adjusting and it will just be a matter of seeing how long it takes to play at that level before he challenges for the NHL. But he is a really good prospect.”
Alex Chiasson
Background on Dallas Stars prospect Alex Chiasson.