PF
By Lowetide
8 years agoFor much of today, I have been getting dm’s and emails (more than 10!) asking me what I think of Zack Kassian as an Oiler. Answer: Doesn’t matter. Peter Chiarelli likes his power forwards and there are several roles open on his Edmonton team for next season. Let’s have a look.
- What jobs could Kassian fill as an Oiler? Several. On Chiarelli’s Stanley Cup team in 2011, all of Milan Lucic, Nathan Horton and Shawn Thornton were regulars. Lucic and Horton formed and effective line with David Krejci that season, lots of skill and size, 68 goals. Thornton played on a 4line most often with Greg Campbell, but would jump up and play on the Marchand line from time to time. So, the answer is scoring winger, or fourth line rumble winger.
- Can he help the offense? As an offensive player, Kassian has some ability. In 2014-15 with the Canucks, his 1.84 points-per-60 at 5×5 ranked him No. 4 among regulars (he played half the season, but was a regular when in the lineup). He was playing with guys like Shawn Matthias and Brad Richardson, that is more bottom 6F territory but he did deliver some good boxcars. In 120 minutes with the Sedins, he scored four goals (2.00/60) and that is a good number.
- Does he get hurt a lot? All power forwards get injuries and they are usually substantial. He had a finger injury (13) and back injury (14) in 2014-15 that cost him a lot of games.
- Who would you compare him to? Think opposite Magnus Paajarvi and that probably fits. You know this player if you are an Oilers fan, so I am not certain a specific example works as a comparable.
- Is he better than Luke Gazdic? Different player for sure. Gazdic is a very good fighter and a willing learner in terms of hockey. Kassian is a hockey player who can fight.
- What are his strengths? He is strong, physical, aggressive and has skill. That’s a lot.
- What are his weaknesses? He is not a cerebral player.
- Who would be a good fit for him? In terms of a skill line, I
would be curious to see him with any of the three centers (McDavid,
Leon, Nuge). He can win battles but is not a checker or good in
coverage.
WHY DID THE OILERS TRADE FOR HIM?
WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE HIM?
As a Bruins fan, I hated Brad Park—until Boston traded for him. Took about 10 minutes to turn it around. Now, Kassian is a different story, there is some major history there including a ghastly injury inflicted and extremely poor conduct afterwards. It was offensive, and Kassian will have to earn his way with Oilers fans. If you believe in redemption, and I do (have needed it a time or two in my life), then forgiveness is part of you.
Miles to go on an interesting trade.
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