The rise of Jalen Chatfield

 


Out of necessity, The Carolina Hurricanes called-up defenseman Jalen Chatfield from the AHL in late November to help fill in for the missing Ethan Bear, Brett Pesce, and Tony DeAngelo. Who all were in COVID-19 safety protocols. Although only six games into his Hurricanes career. Chatfield has proven his worth. And has shown how valuable of an asset he can be to the Hurricanes going forward.


Chatfield played his youth hockey in Michigan. He played in the OHL for the Windsor Spitfires. Chatfield has always shown a good ability to defend. As well as control puck possession for his teams. He was an undrafted pick-up by Vancouver in 2017. He was undrafted due to a lack of offensive upside. But his defensive ability has always shown through at every level. He played 18 games for the Canucks last season, only producing one assist. But this last offseason, Carolina saw enough to take a chance on him for defensive depth. Safe to say that the Canes are pleased with their decision.


Even though Chatfield has played only six games this season with one assist. He has provided much-needed stability on a Carolina defense that has been dealing with Covid. Chatfield currently leads Carolina in On-Ice Expected Goals percentage at 67.8% (via MoneyPuck.com). Chatfield also has taken no penalties so far. This speaks a lot about his hockey IQ and defensive ability.


Chatfield has logged an average time-on-ice of 17:05 per game. He has been visibly physical on defense, wearing down opposing forwards. Chatfield’s ability to advance the puck down ice from the defensive zone has helped Carolina set up the offense more effectively when he is playing. Chatfield has also shown that he knows when to jump into the play on offense. All of this has led to him producing his 67.8% Expected Goals percentage. 


Carolina has Brett Pesce and Tony DeAngelo returning from covid soon. Chatfield will more than likely come out of the lineup when they return, but should he? Chatfield has been as or more effective as Ian Cole and Brendan Smith. It might be worth at least keeping him up in the NHL as a 7th defenseman. And allow him to play in a few games here and there on his off-side. Whatever Carolina decides to do with Chatfield, there is no debating the value that he has already brought to the team. 


He has this season under contract with Carolina. It is probably safe to say that he will be qualified and eventually re-signed by the Hurricanes.


All in all, Chatfield has been very impressive so far in his six games with Carolina. Even though he has only scored 2 points in 24 career NHL games. Chatfield has been a consistently strong defensive defenseman. He has controlled the play when he has the puck on his stick, and he has helped shut down most forward lines he has faced. Chatfield has a bright future ahead in the NHL. And Carolina should take full advantage of having him on their roster this season. 

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