Canadiens acquire Jordan Weal from Arizona Coyotes in exchange for Michael Chaput

Instant Analysis: Jordan Weal presents a skilled upgrade for the fourth line

The Montreal Canadiens have gotten in on the action on trade deadline day, shipping AHL centre Michael Chaput to the Arizona Coyotes and adding Jordan Weal in return.

Chaput had been on the NHL roster, playing 32 games for the Canadiens this season and recording five assists. He had recently been helping give the AHL’s Laval Rocket a solid option on the top line made of veteran forwards.

Weal will be joining his fourth organization, having first played in the Los Angeles Kings and Philadelphia Flyers systems before being traded to the Coyotes during this season. He has played 153 NHL games, amassing 44 points, but has only dressed for 47 contests this year, 19 after being dealt to Arizona.

The Canadiens will hope he can be another good option on the fourth line after previously acquiring Nate Thompson to help out in that area. Weal is capable of playing the centre position as well, which gives the team some different options for their bottom trio.