It appears we have an answer for why the Edmonton Oilers protected Zack Kassian in the expansion draft.

On the DFO Rundown podcast, Daily Faceoff and The Nation Network’s Frank Seravalli reported other teams are interested in acquiring the rough and tumble forward:

I think there’s been some interest from some teams in Zack Kassian and I think it’s a possibility that he ends up being on the move when the trade freeze is lifted. You don’t expose players that there is interest in. That’s a signal to me they likely will be moving him.

I was critical of the Oilers protecting Kassian as they appeared comfortable losing Tyler Benson, an asset I feel is strong to the organization. This new news, however, suggests the Oilers might be close to making something happen.

As Seravalli mentioned, you don’t protect players like him unless there is legitimate interest around the league. The trade freeze is lifted as of 11 a.m. MST Thursday morning, so we’ll see what comes of it later this week.