Kassian loving his new life with Oilers
After 198 games in the NHL, it didn’t really look like the 200 mark was going to happen for Zack Kassian. Too many wrong turns in life left his future in the NHL very much in doubt.
Now, as he hits the 300-game mark — 102 of them with the Edmonton Oilers — life is good.
“Peter Chiarelli gave me the opportunity to come here and I wanted to prove him right,” said Kassian, who always wears one of the biggest smiles in the dressing room. “I’m always happy. It’s the NHL. Whether it’s Game 1 or Game 300, I’m still happy coming to the rink every day. I’m still blessed. It’s a privilege to play in this league.”
Kassian’s had a few stumbles along the way, both in Vancouver and in Montreal, where he wore out his welcome and ended up in the NHL’s substance abuse program. But he’s been everything the Oilers hoped he would be, and more, since coming to Edmonton in a steal of a deal for goalie Ben Scrivens.
“There’s been a lot of ups and downs,” said the 26-year-old winger. “But all in all, I’ve found my spot on this team, I fit in well. I love the role I’m in and that’s important.”
Trading for a guy who’d just come out of rehab seemed risky at the time, but Kassian turned out to be exactly what the Oilers needed and remains one of the big reasons they can roll into any building in the league like they own the place.
Sure, every once in a while he’ll take a bad penalty, but as any coach will tell you, they’d rather have a guy who has to be pulled back than one who has to be pushed forward.
“He brings a lot of energy and excitement,” said teammate Pat Maroon. “When he walks in the room, there’s a lot more life. Everyone is talking to him and laughing with him. Those are the guys you need and want on your team.
“And then he goes out there every night and wears his heart on his sleeve. He works his (behind) off.
“A lot of people underestimate him, but he has a lot of skill.”
One way or the other, you notice Kassian virtually every night.