REDEMPTION SONG

FORGIVENESS

• What in the actual hell? Yeah, it still seems strange.
• You canNOT be in favor of this!?!? I am, uh, undecided.
• Great take, just lovely. Well, there are a lot of things to think about.
• Sam Gagner says hello. Jerk. Hey, I understand the upset about Kassian becoming an Oiler after the things he did, but Oilers fans didn’t make this trade, they are just trying to catch up to it.
• Do you remember the play? Yes. It is also available online.
• Have a hard time remembering 2013, do ya? No, I remember the play well, and the moments afterward when Kassian mocked the Oilers and Gagner. I probably have a harder time forgiving that than the actual act—although Sam Gagner probably has a different view.
• So, why are you fine with this? I didn’t say I was, to be honest it is a difficult thing for me to suss out. I agree it was an awful piece of business, but also believe in forgiveness, in the goodness of second chances—for everyone, for every single one of us.
• So a guy SAYS he is sorry and that’s good enough for you? No, but through word and deed men who have failed can regain their good name. I believe that. Also, the trade and (now) recall make a sense in a hockey way. Kassian could be a very valuable addition, he can play the game.
• And that trumps character? No, but it would be folly to suggest Kassian would be getting this chance if his skills had eroded. I think it is a difficult decision for each fan, but also expect Oilers fans to give Kassian a chance to show what he can do. Perhaps this difficult period will soon be replaced by a long period of success for this player, on and off the ice. If that happens, something so very good will have come from a dark day and a terrible moment.
• And that is good enough for you? Yes. I think that is the point here. The reasons for making this move are hockey related, but there is also a human story, a great opportunity for Zack Kassian.
• And there is risk for the Oilers? Not before today, when he was recalled. Beginning today, the organization owns the story good or bad—and there is some risk there.
• Did Peter Chiarelli make a mistake? No. Either way, this was a reasonable bet based on risk and payoff. If it doesn’t work out, then the Oilers will have to suffer the consequences and then move on. A healthy and effective Zack Kassian can help this team. I know that is true.