Meet the new guy: What it’s like to be a mid-season AHL call-up

One thing that sports fans tend to do from time to time is compare being a professional athlete to working a typical corporate job. Most times, the comparisons don’t seem to make much sense, but after talking to Mitchell Chaffee of the Tampa Bay Lightning, there are certain human emotions he’s gone through that mirror what the typical working person goes through. 

One thing every person has in common is adapting to change. Whether it’s starting a new job, going to a new school or perhaps a call-up from the AHL to the NHL, that change could provide some nerves — especially for someone like Chaffee who was never drafted in the league and had to earn everything he’s been given.

Chaffee has spent the majority of his pro career in the AHL, but he did play two NHL games in the 2021-22 season for the Minnesota Wild. His recent call-up is his first time back in the show since then — so he’s not taking this opportunity for granted.

“I kind of worked my way up. It was never easy along any route. I was never drafted and had to deal with injury last year. I knew I’d be back here and have that chance,” Chaffee told Daily Faceoff. “Now it’s just taking advantage of the opportunity that’s given to you. It’s not easy to break through in this league and I feel like now’s my time to prove to the organization and prove to other people that I can play in this league and deserve to be here.”

Chaffee has now played four games with Tampa Bay, making that a career total of six games played so everything is still relatively new to the 26-year-old. 

Being called up to the Minnesota Wild is a bit different than the Tampa Bay Lightning. Tampa has won two Stanley Cups in the last four years and have tons of future hall of famers on their roster.

“In the beginning it all starts at training camp,” Chaffee said. “I mean you watch these guys all your life. You watch [Victor] Hedman, [Steven] Stamkos, [Nikita] Kucherov and their all-stars every year. At first, I wouldn’t say you’re starstruck, but it’s a reality check. You grow up watching them and you hope that they’re great people and when they live up to [it], it’s a great feeling to be able to come in the room and be comfortable.”

Most people can relate to that feeling of trying to find some level of comfortability in a new environment. For hockey players especially, in order to be successful you sometimes have to be comfortable in the uncomfortable situations.

“I think that’s the biggest thing when you’re getting called up,” Chaffee said. “For whatever team, you want to be comfortable where you are and you want to know that the team has your back. I think that helps you play your best hockey.”

One of the guys who has had Chaffee’s back is Luke Glendening, a 34-year-old veteran from the same hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Glendening is in his first year with the organization as well, but with this being his 11th year in the league he can provide a ton of great advice. 

“He’s made me a lot more comfortable, just being able to talk with him. Just knowing someone here is a big part — that I can always go to him and ask him whatever questions that I have”, Chaffee said.

Chaffee scored his first NHL goal on Jan. 24, in his second game with the Lightning. Scoring a goal certainly boosts the confidence not only on the ice, but also in the locker room. It’s almost like when someone books their first meeting or makes their first sale; having that feeling that you contributed to the group goes such a long way.

“Obviously everyone’s happy for you after you score that first one. I think a lot of guys give you the respect and it was pretty funny. On the night I scored my first goal I think Heddy [Hedman] got his 1,200th point or something so I was like — well I don’t feel special anymore”, Chaffee said with a chuckle.

Jokes aside, scoring a goal in the NHL is a feeling Chaffee will never forget. 

Being around star players day in and day out is something that Chaffee is used to. He was actually roommates and teammates with Cale Makar at UMass, so Chaffee has seen first hand how some of the best players in the league go about their business. That said, he is still trying to figure out how his current teammate Nikita Kucherov makes the NHL look so easy.

“Watching Kucherov practice is just — one of a kind,” Chaffee said. “It just seems like he’s not trying and he’s making all these plays. He does it in practice and it’s another thing to do it in a game. It’s insane to watch him play.”

As a guy who use to spend a lot of time in a cubicle doing work, one of the things that helped the day go faster or even just ease the mind was listening to a podcast. After a big game Chaffee likes to throw on some podcasts like Joe Rogan or watch David Goggins and Bob Does Sports content. 

“David Goggins always fires me up. It’s fun to watch him. You always want to run through a brick wall when you listen to him.”

Chaffee might not be a household name around the NHL just yet, but with the way he plays the game, it won’t be a surprise to see him become a fan favorite in Tampa Bay.

“I feel like I can play in all situations whether it’s highly skilled guys or fourth-line players,” he said. “I can play physical and I think that’s a big part of my game that has kind of gotten lost through…I don’t want to say the new age, but it’s tough to find guys that are going to be physical and can also make plays. I take a lot of pride in that and I like playing that way.”

Even though he’s only been with the Lightning for a couple of weeks, with each game he continues to get more and more comfortable. Chaffee is the kind of player that helps you win Stanley Cups and it’s no surprise that he has found a home with the team like Tampa Bay that breeds winners.