Is This Kassian’s Last Team?

It’s interesting the number of players that strive to make it to play in the NHL, while others make it and become their worst enemy given the path that often leads to their downfall.

Such is or was the case with Zack Kassian who was drafted 13th overall in 2009 by the Sabres in hopes that he would be the next Milan Lucic who took no for an  answer from anyone.

Kassian was given the chance to play regular while in Vancouver, but others might think different of this as at times he was his own worst problem.

In the off-season he was moved to Montreal with many hoping he would get a fresh start, especially with one of the original six teams, but the trade was like a marriage gone wrong.

It was found out that he was in a car with two women that hit a tree in the early morning hours ending up breaking his foot and nose while impaired.

Not the best stunt to pull in Montreal where the fans love their players and put them high on a pedestal regardless where they go in the city.

Like playing cribbage, Kassian used trump last card in Montreal and lost, the same manner in which the way he had in Vancouver.

So Kassian is on his final year of his contract, so moving him was easy for the Canadians, but who would take him and at what expense?

Up stepped the Oilers and one player also on his last leg of his contract was Ben Scrivens  who was virtually finished in Edmonton.

In reality the trade for both Montreal and Edmonton simply amounts to two things of note, with the first being that Montreal could wash its hands of a player who disrespected the organization.

At the same time they were giving him a chance with another club and Edmonton gets a player of size who stands six-foot-three and at times a hustling power forward.

He also brings an abrasive style they can use and need, fully recognizing the fact that Kassian is a major project in more way’s than one.

Kassian’s career path seems to resemble the fortunes of player by the name of Ben Eager, who was big and a fast first-rounder who was unable to figure out how to play the game on or off the ice.

It is said that Ben was a lose cannon when him and his brother got into a problem or fracas in a Toronto pub that resulted in a man hospitalized and several criminal charges pending against the brothers.

No telling how that situation may have affected Eager’s play, but it did nothing to endear himself to his team or community. Arguably, the lockout claimed another victim.

At the young age 31 and several concussions, he (Eager) is out of the game and all chances he was given.

Kassian will report to AHL Bakersfield. The Oilers will trust in the NHL/NHLPA program, and in the fact that this player is — at 24 years of age — staring at perhaps his final chance in the game.

Should he (Kassian) not get his priorities in order with Edmonton, his NHL career could be over faster than it started.

If he can think things out, Edmonton might have just gotten a big part of the puzzle and that is something they are in need of, but clearly it’s in the hands of Kassian at this point and time.

Rick Curran is his (Kassian’s) agent and stated when asked “Zack is appreciative of the efforts of (GM) Marc Bergevin and the Canadiens to accommodate him. Knowing he was looking forward to an opportunity to come back, play, and show people he has learned his lessons. He’s doing everything he can on and off the ice to rehabilitate himself, and he wouldn’t have that opportunity had Marc Bergevin not afforded him that chance.”

Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli virtually gave up nothing in the trade, but they (Oilers) do retain 24% of Scrivens salary to keep the cap hits exactly what they were for both teams prior to the trade.

Let’s see how this plays out for both Edmonton and Kassian and if not, there always a spot for him in the minor’s.