[Report] Oilers Give Kassian Permission To Seek Trade

[Riviera82]

I think Kassian is running out of chances. Why he wouldn't give everything he has to make it work in Edmonton is beyond me. His career numbers are underwhelming at best for a player of his supposed caliber; and yet he wants another team to take a gamble on him? 

 

As for the Canucks; I dont want to see Kassian here again. We already have enough guys who dont score goals.

[RRypien37]

2 hours ago, D-Money said:

It's hard to believe that just 18 months ago, Oiler fans were chanting his name, and raving about what an asset he was in the playoffs.

 

But like every other time he seemed to "arrive", he simply faded back into lazy, listless play. And he was never a fast player - it seems the game is passing him by, more so than ever.

Actually that was one attribute that made him such a high pick and there was so much hope for him. He had/has the size AND speed. He is an excellent skater for his stature. 

[ChuckNORRIS4Cup]

If the Canucks really believe they can one day get something better for Gagner I guess keep holding onto that $3.15/year contract, but if they don't then sure why not trade Gagner for Kassian and his $1.95M/year contract. I'd just have him on a very short leash, and the first sign of any issue I'd say goodbye cut him loose, but if no issues come up this team could definitely use that grit imo, and taking on a cheaper contract to bury.

[Angry Goose]

honestly Id love it if TG talked to him and with his OK he returned to the Canucks.  TG sets a high standard and doesnt F around- if Kassian wants to be that guy for him Id be pretty damn happy.

 

Next up Tryamkin lol

[smokes]

Kassian for an autograph Pettersson hockey stick. 

[Dungass]

On a personal level, I've been cheering for Zack since he got into recovery.  I remember a game when he was with the Canucks, the team was leading 4-1 in the third, and for some reason he went absolutely bat**** on a TO player.  Nothing to be gained at that point, and the look in his eyes was really of somebody who wasn't present.  It was then, I suspected he might not be well.  

 

He has been a great story since his arrival in Edmonton.  I've no idea if he's still on the straight an narrow, he's not said anything on the matter for a year and a half.  I can say that addiction is a life long battle, a chronic condition and unfortunately there is no finish line.  

 

As for his coming to the Canucks, I think the team should take a pass.  We already have Archibald, I think a similar player.  However, I hope all the best for Zack and hope he finds a situation that works for him.  

[riffraff]

12 hours ago, 6string said:

The article is pointing towards Kassian having internal issues or is that an attempt to deflect attention away from having team issues in the locker room?

The oilers are a mismanaged hockey team.

[riffraff]

11 hours ago, luckylager said:

I watched a Canucks TV bit where a few of the kids were complaining about his choice of music, country...

Rightly so.

[CaptKirk888]

For those proposing a Kassian-Gagner deal, do you really think the coilers want Gagner back?

[Dombrova22]

We already have our version of Kassian in Virtanen. We don't need another one of them. 

[LeanBeef]

I'm the biggest Kass supporter out there... and was when he was here and even in Edmonton.

 

Unfortunately though I doubt the Canucks are gonna take another shot at him. Benning didnt seem too high on him at all after seeing him play... I believe Kass was looking like a lock to play on the 2nd line with Bonino(Benning had some nice things to say about Kass after his extension that off season as well) before the season started and slowly found himself in Willie's doghouse.

Benning even went as far as saying

 

Kassian didnt necessarily bring toughness and that Prust would be a better fit in that regard.... 

 

I miss his dynamic on the team (teammates seemed to like him alot) but his consistency is what I think would deter Vancouver from going for him.

[PhillipBlunt]

I'd be fine with Kassian returning.

[NUCKER67]

Unless I missed it, but why does Kassian want out of EDM? For a guy who's life, let alone career, was in jeopardy, I'm not sure he should be demanding anything at this point. EDM gave him a chance to redeem himself, and now he wants out. No thanks, do not want him here. Re-signing him would be the definition of insanity. 

[JM_]

22 minutes ago, PhillipBlunt said:

I'd be fine with Kassian returning.

I would too under the right deal, but this feels like Chia Pet won't be looking to give up anything to let him go. He might even end up on waivers and we could get him back for free, but I'm not sure who he beats for a job here. Whatever happens I hope he gets a good landing spot. 

[Provost]

The guy isn’t a kid anymore and isn’t likely to get better.

 

He reminds me of Taylor Pyatt... a big guy with a ton of skill that just couldn’t figure it all out on a regular basis.

 

Having said that, he probably has another couple chances in the league.  Big tough guys generally get the benefit of the doubt (look at Dotchin).  A team contending could look at him (if the Oilers retained some salary) as a depth guy who could be useful in the playoffs when his motivation is ramped up.

[zombieksa]

Is he a better PKer than Motte? Because essentially that is the roster spot he would be taking if a trade were to be made.

I say no. Love Kass but no.
 

[Alflives]

30 minutes ago, Jimmy McGill said:

I would too under the right deal, but this feels like Chia Pet won't be looking to give up anything to let him go. He might even end up on waivers and we could get him back for free, but I'm not sure who he beats for a job here. Whatever happens I hope he gets a good landing spot. 

My biggest worry about Kassian is he’s taken a step back in his private life.  I really can’t help but cheer for the guy.  There’s something about him that makes fans like him.  But there must be something going on in his life outside of hockey.  Could it be his wife hates Edmonton?  If it was only that, then I’d certainly like him back. 

[JM_]

Just now, Alflives said:

My biggest worry about Kassian is he’s taken a step back in his private life.  I really can’t help but cheer for the guy.  There’s something about him that makes fans like him.  But there must be something going on in his life outside of hockey.  Could it be his wife hates Edmonton?  If it was only that, then I’d certainly like him back. 

I was reading some of the Edmonton blab on it and it seems like its maybe more of a line mate mismatch and a poor start, which pretty much everyone not named McDavid has had. 

 

I sure hope its not personal. Having family who've had addiction problems I wouldn't wish that one anyone. 

[Alflives]

2 minutes ago, Jimmy McGill said:

I was reading some of the Edmonton blab on it and it seems like its maybe more of a line mate mismatch and a poor start, which pretty much everyone not named McDavid has had. 

 

I sure hope its not personal. Having family who've had addiction problems I wouldn't wish that one anyone. 

If it’s only hockey related why are we reading about it?  Shouldn’t that stuff be kept in the room?  He has a contract (a good one too) so just play, no?  Was it Kassian who went public or the Oilers who leaked this?  

[JM_]

3 minutes ago, Alflives said:

If it’s only hockey related why are we reading about it?  Shouldn’t that stuff be kept in the room?  He has a contract (a good one too) so just play, no?  Was it Kassian who went public or the Oilers who leaked this?  

from what I saw the personal side stuff is pure speculation by the media. It was Kass that asked to be moved, so that to me seems like he doesn't like his role on the team or maybe there's a locker room issue of some sort.