Another part of the 2016-17 Edmonton Oilers is locked up and returning next season. The Oilers, as per Bob McKenzie of TSN, have re-signed Zack Kassian to a three-year contract worth a total of $5.85 million. On a yearly basis, that works out to an annual average value of $1.95 million.
Kassian registered 7-17-24 in 79 games for the Oilers this past season, and easily could have hit double-digit goals if not for a laughable amount of overturned tallies during the course of the season. Kassian emerged as a legit top-nine option for this club and proved that, on occasion, he can play up in the lineup.
In the playoffs, Kassian posted 3-0-3 in 13 games and played his typical abrasive style. His opportunistic tallies and solid all-around play in the postseason was the cherry on top of a great year for the former villain turned hero in Edmonton.
Personally, I love this contract and think it is a great signing by the Oilers. Kassian is a top-nine forward in this league and will be under contract on a value deal for the next three seasons. He’s not breaking the bank in any way, and he’s produced and been a nice piece for this club.
His style of play fits perfectly with Todd McLellan’s style, and he has enough offensive ability in him that opponents will need to respect his game. This has been a perfect fit and I think every Oiler fan should be happy with this move today. It’s a quality player on a quality contract.
I expect Kassian to start the season on Edmonton’s third-line as currently constructed, with the possibility to both move up and move down as needed.
This is a very solid contract and should help Edmonton moving forward. Nice work by Peter Chiarelli here.
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