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Edmonton Oilers: Kassian Deserving of More Contract

By Sammi Silber

Oct 14, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers right wing Zack Kassian (44) during the face off against Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers right wing Zack Kassian (44) during the face off against Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Edmonton Oilers re-signed forward Zack Kassian to a three-year contract worth about $5.85 million Monday.

With the new signing, Edmonton is rewarding a player who has made a huge turnaround. Though Kassian hit bumps in the road, including a stint in rehab and a trade from Montreal. However, once he landed on his feet with the Oilers, Kassian turned his life – and his game – around.

Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers /

Edmonton Oilers

Bringing physicality and a positive attitude to the Oilers lineup, Kassian was a huge asset for the team. Though he wasn’t a big goal scorer for the team, the 26-year-old added toughness and knew his role, while also playing a strong, aggressive game and creating rushes.

This past season, Kassian truly came out of his shell, qucikly becoming a fan favourite. In 79 games this season, he posted seven goals and 24 points and was a plus-4. The 6-foot-3, 207-pound winger not only put up strong bottom-six numbers, but showed great speed, physicality and backchecking ability. He racked up 201 hits and 21 takeaways by the end of the year.

Not only that, but he was pivitol in the playoffs. With tremendous energy and physicality, Kassian made himself a force to be reckoned with. He even got rewarded with three goals in the postseason, all coming at incredibly crucial moments for the team.

As he continues with Edmonton, Kassian continues to grow as the heart of the team and looks to keep improving.

“I’ve crawled my way back, but I still have a lot of unfinished business to do,” Kassian told NHL.com. “I’m excited to be in Edmonton for the next three years, but I feel like I’m not going to be satisfied until we get a Cup. I feel like that’s where our team is at, that’s where the mindset is. Until that happens, I won’t be satisfied.”

Next: Edmonton Oilers: No Hamonic, No Problem

Overall, this is a player that is more than deserving of his contract. His determination, grit and positivity is contagious, and it makes a huge impact.

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