The Oilers Recall Zack Kassian

The Edmonton Oilers have recalled Zack Kassian from the Bakersfield Condors. Bring the boom, Zack. 

I have to say that Zack Kassian was recalled a lot faster than I would have expected. A couple weeks ago, we took bets on the North x NorthGretz podcast about when Kassian would be recalled, and my guess was February 2nd (Chris the Intern nailed it at January 14th, and Jeanshorts’ guess was February 23rd). As it turns out, the Oilers must have liked enough of what they’ve seen in the four AHL games (4 GP: 1-0-1) that Kassian played to merit the recall.

I, personally, am shocked by how quickly Kassian was recalled. I honestly thought that the Oilers were going to make him work a little bit harder to earn the recall, but this news seems to fit within the Chiarelli news cycle. Any time the team seems to lose multiple games in a row they release some kind of news that gives the fanbase hope that things are happening. With the ‘McDavid will be back after the all-star break’ news already being released, I guess this was the next item in line to appease an angry fanbase. 

I hope I’m wrong, and that Kassian is ready to play, but I find it hard to believe that he’s up to game speed after just four AHL games. Adding to the Kassian news is the fact that the Oilers will have to make another roster move once Nail Yakupov has been activated to active duty. Will someone get put on waivers? Maybe a trade? I guess we shall see, but I’d bet on the former with Luke Gazdic seeming like a waivers candidate.

Finally a chance to re-crest those old Niinima/Pronger/Schremp/Souray jerseys!