Canucks sign Michael Chaput to One-year, One-Way deal

The Canucks have signed forward Michael Chaput to a One-Year, One-Way deal this afternoon

Although not mentioned in the initial report from Friedman, I have confirmed that the deal is a One-Way deal.

The One-Way does not affect Chaput’s waivers status, as he will be required to clear waivers to be assigned to Utica but it does ensure that he receives the full $687,500 at both levels. Chaput had filed for Salary Arbitration earlier this month with hopes of securing a one-way deal, and it appears the Canucks agreed to make that concession prior to the actual hearing.

The fact that Chaput did receive a one-way deal has no effect on the Canucks salary cap situation, as it’s well below the threshold of buried salaries.

Last season, Chaput posted 4 goals and 5 assists in 68 games for the Canucks. He averaged 11:01 of ice time in bottom six role. He was signed to be an offensive leader for the Comets last season but due to injuries was recalled to the Canucks and never went back. Ideally, Chaput will spend more time in Utica this upcoming season rather than Vancouver but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t able to handle himself at the NHL level.

If he does make his way to Utica, he will be leaned upon to be an offensive leader for the Comets. With the influx of talent that is expected to make their way to upstate New York this upcoming season, having someone like Chaput could pay dividends. Jeremy Davis broke down some of the complications that the veteran rules in the AHL may pose, but that may only be an issue to start the season. Injuries happen and it will likely sort itself out.

With Chaput on the books, the Canucks now have 43 contracts for the 2017-18 season with Brendan Gaunce, Reid Boucher and Bo Horvat left to sign. Assuming all three will be signed, they would enter the season with 46 out of the 50 contracts signed. There may be another target of theirs, Alexander Kerfoot,  that will become available on August 15th through the NCAA UFA rules. That would put them at 47 contracts, and I would expect them to remain at that number entering the season to allow some flexibility with PTO’s, waivers and trades.

Chaput will be an restricted free agent at the conclusion of this one year deal.