Zack is Back

[UFCanuck]

I'd rather have a Bertuzzi in his prime than a Morrison in his prime.

[Amish Rake Fighter]

I'd rather have a Bertuzzi in his prime than a Morrison in his prime.

[Plum]

We need goals and assists far more than we need fights. It's great he can drop the gloves but I'd rather see him out with Kesler building chemistry than sitting in the box for 5.

[Red Light Racicot]

Well, he is better then he was last season I guess.

I cant deny I do see some flashes of brilliance in his game, but he has to be able to keep up with the pace of the pro level.

His decison making is better, he looks a bit more saavy with the puck on his stick. But his play without the puck needs to be better.

Youd have to be crazy to give up on the guy, there is too much potential.

[Strombone1]

How can someone his size be so invisible!

I didn't like the trade when it happened and I REALLY don't like it now. I know Hodgson had to go, I get that. However, to give up a talent like Cody for the potential of Kassian? If he can't or wont play with desire at this stage in his career what is he going to be like in 5-6 years?

His stat line tonight:

Shots - 0

Hits - 0

In almost 14 minutes of ice time.

Could not be more disappointed with this guy.

[Patrick Kane]

I'd rather have a Bertuzzi in his prime than a Morrison in his prime.

[Apples]

He still needs more time to develop. His going to be a great powerforward in the future

[KeslerBEAST]

weird, he shouldn't have 0 hits I saw him finish his check on a the edge of the screen

[Canucks_Hockey_101]

Did you watch the game or just look at the boxscore?

[UFCanuck]

Yes, because Kassian's ceiling is a 90 point top powerforward and Hodgson's is a 60 point playmaking centerman.

[Patrick Kane]

As long as the OP is throwing around Kassian stats for this game. How were Godsons stats last game?

Oh yeah a -1, 0 points and 0 hits

Hodgson's ceiling can't hold his head.

[Opmac]

Give it a rest. He set up that Kesler goal last game in the Phoenix passing it to Bieksa, then it went to Raymond, and Kesler chipped it in. Once again he had the 3rd assist tonight on Raymonds goal. Just because he isn't on the score sheet doesn't mean he isn't chipping in. Btw the title is stupid

[Alexander 7he Great]

Nice post OP.... not

[SID.IS.SID.ME.IS.ME]

That's great and all, but your comment on taking Bertuzzi prime over Morrison prime.. how does that relate to Hodgson/Kassian.

Are you suggesting Kassian has the upside of one of the best powerforwards of the 2000's? That in his prime, he'll have 80-90 point seasons?

[-Vintage Canuck-]

Remember the Sedins in their first couple of years in the NHL?

[Spitfire_Spiky]

I was at the game last night and Kassian made some nice passes If Kesler had been on his game and finished his chances that Kassian set up then Kass would of hit the score sheet

[Jester13]

Kassian has looked much better since being sent down for the one game. Two 3rd assists in the last two games. For most of you CDC'ers out there, that means that he set up the play on two goals where two other players then touched the puck that lead to the eventual goal. He doesn't get credited for an assists (in the NHL only two assists max are awarded for each goal), but most of us all know who made the play happen *even the coaches*

His stats may not look pretty ie. not getting credited for a hit last night is a fail on the stats keeper because out of a game of practically zero hits for both teams, I specially remember seeing Kassian finish his check. Again, it may not have been credited, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. Need another example? #GiveItToCheech!

There is a reason why Kassian is still on a line with Kesler. Even Kesler knows that Kassian is playing well, as shown when Kes gave him an encouraging tap after a good shift. Just saying...

[GB5]

Go eat your granola and sip your latte, I'm all for Kassian.

For comparison in his second full year in the NHL, Bertuzzi has 64 gp, 10 goals, 13 assists and -3. Kassian in his second year 31 gp, 6 goals, 3 assists and -5.

The stat lines are pretty equal, these are two different players but the point is that second year players generally are not top scorers on any NHL team, most players do not come into their own until years 4 or 5.

Aside from points Kassian definately offers some intangibles given his on ice presence which cannot be ignored.

[aGENT]

Watched the game but couldn't find him so I thought I would check the stats.

[Henrik Kesler]

Kassian is coming along. People forget that the Sedins were 40-50 point players pre-lockout.

Kassian and Kesler are developing chemistry. Kassian is more of a passer than a shooter so I think once he and Kesler start clicking we're going to see some sick set ups off the rush. The key will be AV having the patience to keep Kassian with Kesler so the two can develop chemistry.