Report: Oilers’ Kassian on the move

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. 

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 Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli concerning 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.

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. At this point though, it seems like waivers is the most likely situation for Kassian… a situation that he’s all too familiar with.