Oilers: Zack Kassian’s Keys to Success, Profile and Expectations
After signing a 4 year, $3.2 million AAV deal with the Edmonton Oilers in 2020 Zack Kassian has yet to live up to the contract. Is this the year he can bring back his point totals?
Zack Kassian has been unable to replicate his numbers since COVID took the Edmonton Oilers fans out of the buildings. Whether that has to do with lack of fans or not Kassian has to be better if he wants to continue to be a fan favorite.
Stats From The Past:
Keys To Success:
1. Get Emotional- Last season Kassian’s play seemed to be emotionless. Without fans his play has been subpar compared to what we have gotten used to. He went from scoring 15 goals in 59 games to only 2 in 27 games. With there being fans back in the stands this year, hopefully his game will come back as well.
2. Make The Top 6- Kassian will likely be playing in the bottom 6 to start this season. If he gets a chance to play with either Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl as the season goes on he has to make the most of it. He does have the skill to play with those players, plus he would be a good asset on a skilled line to add some toughness.
3. Play Smart– One thing about Zack Kassian is when he is emotionally involved he sometimes lets his emotions get the best of him. He always flirts with the line when it comes be being overly physical. When he is on the right side of the line he can really help the Edmonton Oilers out by helping build momentum. When he is over the line he can end up hurting the team by taking unnecessary penalties and making his team shorthanded.
Expectations:
I think Zack Kassian will get a chance to play with Connor McDavid at some point this season. When he does I think he will have success. I just don’t think he will be up there full time. The last time Kassian played top 6 minutes this team didn’t have Jesse Puljujarvi or Zach Hyman. I just don’t see Dave Tippet moving one of Puljujarvi or Hyman down to the bottom 6 full-time.
I do think we will have the old Zack Kassian back. He will be emotionally involved and will help the Edmonton Oilers out this season in many ways.