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The Arizona Coyotes have made their first move of the trade deadline sending Jordan Weal to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Michael Chaput.
MON trades Chaput to ARIZ for Weal
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 25, 2019
The Arizona Coyotes initially acquired Jordan Weal in exchange for ECHL defenceman Jacob Graves and a 2019 sixth round pick back in January. Weal was brought in to patch one of the many holes in the Coyotes lineup created by injuries. In 19 games with the Coyotes Weal registered a goal and an assist with his goal coming on the power play.
Weal getting moved is to make room for Christian Dvorak who seems poised to return after an AHL conditioning stint. Dvorak has missed the entire season up until now due to injuries, most recently recovering from a pectoral injury.
Chaput has played in 32 games this season with the Montreal Canadiens, registering five points. He will add some scoring to the Tucson Roadrunners, who have seen their best players get called up to the Coyotes this season. Unlike Weal Chaput will not have to clear waivers.
For Coyotes fans, Chaput has 16 points in 24 AHL games this year, including 10 much-needed goals for Tucson. 26-year old who has one year left on a 2yr, 2-way deal, then becomes a UFA. Not a big scorer at the NHL level but a very low-risk add for minor league depth.
— Catherine Silverman (@catmsilverman) February 25, 2019
This is a relatively small move but by making space for Christian Dvorak the Coyotes are a better team. Chaput also also adds offense to the Tucson Roadrunners who can hopefully help them as they finish their season.