The Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals are rolling the dice on Chris Chaddock.
The Caps acquired the 20-year-old Saint John, N.B., native on Wednesday from the St. Stephen Aces for a sixth-round pick in 2019, the rights to defenceman Matt Templeman and future considerations.
Chaddock, who played for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Charlottetown Islanders in 2016-17, has not played this season.
“He’s always been a player that we’ve kind of had our eye on,” said Capitals head coach Billy McGuigan. “Essentially, we gave up a player that wasn't playing for us and thought it was the right fit, if we could get him. We’re hoping now that he’s interested in playing hockey and coming back over to the Island and finishing his 20-year-old season here.”
The Capitals were waiting for Chaddock to get out of school to have a conversation with him. McGuigan said they had heard rumors that Chaddock had requested a trade to Summerside earlier this season, but aren’t allowed to talk to a player without owning their rights.
“I think over time he’ll fit, if he comes. The big question is, will he come?” he said.
The five-foot-seven, 175-pound centre had 13 goals and 15 assists for 28 points in 40 games last season with the Isles. In 2014-15, Chaddock had nine points in 14 games for the Aces.
“I like, obviously, his skill set, his speed and intelligence, and he’s a good offensive player,” McGuigan said. “We’re hoping he’s a guy that can kind of come into our lineup and give us a boost, point-production wise, and give us a little bit of that veteran experience as well.”
