Oilers’ Kassian addresses reported trade request

Does he want out or not? What’s the story, big Zack?

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 5 years ago
Oilers’ Kassian addresses reported trade request
Zuma Press

Despite a strong start to the season, the Edmonton Oilers just can’t seem to avoid being in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. The 6-3-1 Oilers have surprised most of the analysts this season by coming out strong, following a disappointing season in 2017-18. Connor McDavid is off to another incredible start with eight goals and 17 points in 10 games, while linemates Ryan Nugent Hopkins and Leon Draisaitl has also lit the lamp with 12 and 11 points in 10 games apiece. One struggling forward however, veteran Zack Kassian, seems to be on the outs in Edmonton. 

This past weekend multiple reports seemed to indicate that Kassian was unhappy with the way things were playing out in Edmonton and that his agent had requested a trade. Not so, says Kassian himself.

Check out this quote from Kassian, courtesy of Jason Gregor of TSN 1260:


“I didnt ask for a trade. When I got healthy scratched my agent did his job and reached out to Peter to see what was up. I hadn’t played well early, but feel our line is coming on. I addressed my teammates and I want to help us. We are in a good spot now,” Kassian.


Manning up… that’s what the Oilers need to see from Kassian more now than ever. 

It’s still possible that Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli could move Kassian. Of course, waivers are another option if things get too untenable. The problem is that Kassian’s three year deal that he signed following the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs still has two more seasons on it at nearly $2 million per season. That’s a hefty price tag for someone who can’t even stick in the lineup full time. 

As things stand right now, the ball is firmly in Kassian’s court. Play well and you’re in, play poorly… who knows what the future holds?

In his latest column for the Edmonton Journal, Oilers insider Kurt Leavins weighed in on the rumours surrounding Kassian and throws out a couple different options for Kassian.

Check it out:

The news surfaced Saturday on Hockey Night in Canada that the Edmonton Oilers have given Zack Kassian “permission to seek a trade out of the city to try to find a fresh start”. My Take: Zack Kassian was last a consistent, impact player in the 2016-17 Stanley Cup Playoffs. That is what earned him his current 3-year, $5.8m contract. But so far this season, Kassian is point-less and -4. He has been a healthy scratch in 3 of the club’s 9 games. And last night’s 3rd Period penalty was another example of poor game management by a veteran who should know better. No doubt the player and his agent think that Kassian deserves a better opportunity. And there is no doubt in my mind that Peter Chiarelli has already shopped the winger. Teams like Carolina, Florida and even Tampa Bay could use some toughness. But so far Chiarelli has not found a taker for what Kassian in reality is: An journey-man over-paid for the role he fills, with skills that fit the league better 5 years ago, and with a checkered past that not all organizations will be willing to take a chance on. Maybe if the Kassian camp comes to the realization that no one wants him at that price-point for another year and a half, his approach on the ice will change? That would be better for all involved. “Good” Zack Kassian can be a meaningful contributor.

Again at almost $2 million per season for the next two seasons, it’s tough to see many teams taking a chance on Kassian, but teams with some cap space like the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers, both mentioned by Leavins, could provide Kassian with a nice landing spot.

Source: Jason Gregor