Canucks Sign Chad Billins

Chad Billins

Position: Defense

Height/Weight: 5'10" / 174 Lbs

Born: May 26, 1989

Hometown: Marysville, MI

Shoots: Left

Dman Chad Billins (played with #Flames in 2013-14) returns from Europe and signs 1-year, 2-way deal with #Canucks

— The Mayor John Hoven (@mayorNHL) July 1, 2016

Billins was drafted in the second round (#24 overaell) by the Waterloo Black Hawks in the 2007 USHL Entry Draft. Undrafted at the NHL level, Billins signed an AHL contract with the Grand Rapids Griffins for the 2012-13 season and parlayed that strong performance into a two-way deal with the Calgary Flames in 2013-14. After failing to stick it through with the Flames he went off to the KHL and SEL before today's signing.

As with the Michael Chaput signing, this is a depth move for Utica and injury insurance for the parent club. Perhaps a strong camp appearance will prove otherwise.

Billins is a defenseman with good two-ability. Moves well and has fine hockey sense, as well. Contributes offensively with fine passing skills. Is somewhat lacking in size, though, which can be a problem against big forwards. - Erik K. Piri, EP (2014)

Billins is a smaller defender who possesses exceptional speed and offensive upside. The 5’10, 174-pound defender has excellent hockey IQ and can play in all situations. Billins can quarterback the power play unit and recorded 37 points in 76 games for the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2012-13. - Hockey's Future