About a year ago, there was not a single NHL team that would have touched Zack Kassian with a ten foot pole. Off-ice issues during a short-lived tenure with the Montreal Canadiens seemingly looked to be the end of the line for the former first round pick’s career.
It wasn’t until December of 2015, when then new Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli swung a deal to acquire the troubled winger, that Kassian was given one last chance to save his career.
Now in 2017, a completely transformed and revitalized Kassian has emerged. His hard work in the off-season and committed attitude has paid off immensely and it has been inspiring to see.
The man plays with heart. He has very underrated skills in all aspects of the game and works incredibly hard both ways on the ice. An intimidation factor is present with Kassian, a given considering he’s very physical and a pest. That said, all you really have to do is stare into those psychotic eyes to get a true taste of his intensity.
Kassian has firmly established himself as a versatile top-nine winger that can move up and down the depth chart when necessary. It is ironic to think that he was actually once a former first round draft pick (13th overall in 2009). Although he’s never lived up to those expectations, he has evolved into a steady two-way forward.
For years, Kassian has traveled from team to team trying to prove the value of his draft position. However, he just never panned out as a premier power forward, someone like Milan Lucic. The Buffalo Sabres gave up on him, the Canucks gave up on him, and finally, the Canadiens gave up on him.
The problem was not only his off-ice issues, but the fact that he lacked a true identity within himself. His inability to adapt to the NHL could not allow him to shape into a specific player. For too long, I think Kassian was too focused on the heavy expectations he was burdened with when he entered the league as a highly touted, flashy prospect.
I can see that Kassian is turning a corner and finding a comfortable niche. He looks loose and full of unlimited energy each time he steps on the ice and is able to roll with whatever task is given to him. I also have to praise Kassian for being one of the few players left in the league to play without a visor.
Kassian is one of, if not the most, unluckiest players in the league this year as he’s unfortunately had three terrific goals taken away from him. His four goals on the year should really be at seven or eight. Points don’t matter, but I often expect Kassian to score more because he does have the skill and finishing ability to do so.
He will more than likely be protected in the expansion draft and rightfully so. In fact, I think a brand new two or three year contract extension is in order for the gritty winger when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Character guys are key to success in today’s NHL. I’m excited to see how Kassian performs in playoffs should the Oilers qualify. He’s easily revved up by the monstrously loud Edmonton fans so I think we could see a whole other level of intensity and performance from Kassian come playoff time.
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