At this point last season, Edmonton Oilers winger Zack Kassian was nowhere near ready for ice time in the NHL.
In fact, he was being treated in rehab for sturggles with alcohol. Though Kassian was ready to return to the ice after a few months, the Montreal Canadiens weren’t ready for him. It seemed like there weren’t many teams out there willing to take a chance on him, but the Oilers were. They traded for Kassian in December, giving up goaltender Ben Scrivens in exchange.
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By the end of the 2015-16 campaign, Kassian racked up eight points (three goals, five assists) and 114 PIM in 36 games with the Oilers. His hard work and determination, as well as grit on the bottom-six, earned him a one-year contract extension and a second chance to prove himself. This season, he has capitalized on that opportunity.
In six games this season, Kassian has picked up two goals and two assists, and is a plus-1. Also, he has 12 hits and five takeaways for only one giveaway so far. Thanks to his stride and offensive hustle to start the campaign, Kassian was promoted to the top-six, and skates alongside Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Benoit Pouliot.
Not to mention, Kassian is boasting a .8 Relative Fenwick and looks a lot better when it comes to puck possession. He is also playing a stronger two-way game, and has stayed out of the penalty box for the most part.
With a better all-around game, more skill and a stronger appearance on the ice, Kassian is proving to be an answer for the Oilers.
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