[Article] Kassian has motivation to move from Canucks project to prime-time player

[chester144]

I like kassian's potential but he really has to prove himself this year. If he does well and Vancouver signs Doan for 4yrs then pretty sure Hansen is a goner

[Gollumpus]

I like kassian's potential but he really has to prove himself this year. If he does well and Vancouver signs Doan for 4yrs then pretty sure Hansen is a goner

[Pears]

I like kassian's potential but he really has to prove himself this year. If he does well and Vancouver signs Doan for 4yrs then pretty sure Hansen is a goner

D.Sedin-H.Sedin-Doan

Booth-Kesler-Burrows

Higgins-Lapierre-Kassian

Volpatti-Malholtra-Weiss

[keslerian one]

Didn't Bertuzzi not produce until he was like 26 or something. Big Power Forwards take long time to develop. He'll be a dominant force in due time.

[Dogbyte]

I think people are going to be pleasantly surprised. Has anyone ever noticed that every guy we bring over has a hard time fitting into this team right away. I think the pressure, the different way the Canucks approach everything, travel, and AV are all hard to deal with. Alberts, Booth, and now Kassian all had trouble from the get go. It is also difficult to come into a team that is high flying and a PT team at the same time.

I also like how Kassian says that Buffalo has great hockey but indicates that Van is a different beast entirely and he is enjoying the challenge and also the atmosphere of being responsible. Honestly, very tough for a 21 year old kid to deal with after being traded from a team out of the playoffs and work on his person at the same time as contributing to a team that had all but wrapped up the Western Conference. Now he has had all summer to get ready, had access to the Canucks training staff and facilities and he probably feels more a part of the organization. Very big deal for a kid.

Lastly, when you look at his conditioning, which is why the Canucks bring in specialists to do this stuff it is encouraging to notice that maybe the Sabres were a little neglectful in his development. They were perfectly happy letting Kassian beef up hoping he'd turn into Lucic (wanted a third or fourth line brawler) when Kassian has more skill and far better skating. In Van no detail is too small to be examined and beaten to death, sometimes for the better.

I don't understand why people say that he wasn't given a chance, I mean, just like the article stated, he was given some time on the first and second line.

He disappointed me last year, but I think and hope that he can surprise me in a matter of time

[EternalCanuckFan]

I don't think a successful season for Kassian means that he records 50+ points. I think it simply means that he brings his physical game night in and night out. The points will come, hopefully.

Kassian has shown that he's able to say the right things and, based on what he's saying, he has the right attitude heading into camp. He has the tools to excel in the NHL - he has shown that before in junior, the AHL, etc - but he really needs to be more consistent at doing what the team needs from a guy like him: physicality (the primary measure of which is hitting).

IMHO, so long as Kassian can bring a physical game consistently, I'm sure he'll chip in more points than he did last year. At worst he will be like a more physical Taylor Pyatt or a poor man's Ryan Malone. At best... who knows? He has the chance to carve out a niche for himself.

[curtman81]

Come on guys. The kid is entering his second season with the team (First possible full season at that). Let Kassian show us what he has got before we condemn him. I wish people would stop whining about the Hodgson trade and just move on. Kas has been working hard this summer it seems,so all we can do is wait and see what he has learned.

Looking ahead to the possible upcoming season,and I'm excited to watch our team play again!!!

[aGENT]

Can you edit this so its readable?

I'm just saying people need to be realistic about him, he has years or development still to come before he is ready for top six. How many power forward type players do you know who jumped into a top six roll on any team much less a PT team? He should be (if he makes the team) on the third or 4th line no more. How long did it take Ryan to crack the second line? Your in for a lot of disappointment if your expectations are too high for him because he has not looked ready yet.

[hockeywoot]

I'm cautiously optimistic about Kassian.

If there is a lock-out, more time in the AHL will also do him some good.

[canucks_dynasty]

I think it a couple years he'll be a top 6 winger. He has speed which is kinda rare for a big guy. He needs to add some more muscle/mass and be in better condition to last the 82 game grind. At best...I see him as Rick Nash lite. At worst...Steve Bernier 2.0 (NJ version).

Right now...I just want him to pot 20+ goals whether he's on the 2nd or 3rd line. If he's on the 4th...maybe 10 goals. If he's on the 1st...no less than 30 goals.

[*vInTaGe*]

I absolutely believe he'll make a jump into the top six and dominate, eventually.

[RIPRYP]

In 2-3 years he will be a 30-40 goal guy, mark my words. We saw the flashes of talent last year and he needs ice time to prove it. The Sedins did absolutely nothing until Bertuzzi broke a neck and Naslund didn't care anymore, as soon as they got they ice time they scored at a point-per-game pace.

[vancity787]

[Cup2012]

I don't care if he gets 20pts or 40pts next year. As long as he plays consistently well in both zones, and improves game after game - enough to gain and keep the confidence of AV - I'll be happy. Kassian is very young still and has years to grow into a true power forward, Bertuzzi style.

I'll be very happy with 20 goals, but having him in the lineup for a full season will be considered "a successful season" in my books.

Good luck Zack - you'll be a fan favourite soon enough, mark my words!

[Bodee]

Once his fitness/stamina i(BF% issues) is boosted, put him up with the Sedins for 10+ to boost his confidence and then the sky will be the limit for him..............I am excited about what he will bring to us. I hope we don't rush him though.

[-Vintage Canuck-]

Too early to tell.

[sharnhayre]

I still have hope!

[CmdrAdama]

Here's hoping he is better than Bure....

[D-Bo7]

Kassian has to embrace his mean side. He doesn't need to be a goody goody.

Bertuzzi had a nasty side, on and off the ice. The Canucks need to let that side of Kassian translate onto the ice.

[thehamburglar]

He really needs to prove himself here. Hope he does though.