NHL Tough Guy Calls it a Career after 12 Seasons
PUBLICATION
TJ Tucker
October 26, 2023 (3:21 PM)
After 12 seasons, an NHL player who made his living with his fists has decided to call it a career. Zach Kassian has officially announced his retirement after 661 regular season games and another 45 in the playoffs.
"To play in the NHL is one thing, but to make a 12-year career of it is pretty special. From coaches to equipment staff and fellow players I've met along the way, I've made so many relationships that are going to last a lifetime.
Kassian, 32, was a 13th overall draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres in 2009. After Buffalo, he played with Vancouver, and then Edmonton, where he truly made his mark in the league. His last season in the NHL was spent with the Arizona Coyotes.
Kassian was also a member of the Montreal Canadiens at one point, but never played with the team. He was involved in a car accident in which he was not the driver, but found to be under the influence. Kassian entered the NHL's Substance Abuse program and was eventually dropped from his deal by the Habs.
Kassian was a member of Team Canada at the World Juniors in 2011, where he won a silver medal. Congrats to Kassian and all the best in the future.
POLL |
What are your thoughts on Kassian |
Great teammate and player | 25 | 47.2 % |
meh | 22 | 41.5 % |
not sure | 6 | 11.3 % |
List of polls |
|
3 hours ago | By Tom Banks Bruins Captain Brad Marchand Makes his Feelings Known About Swayman and the Whole Roster After Loss to Jets |
|
5 hours ago | By Tom Banks NHL Executive Suggests Shocking Trade Involving Rangers Star Chris Kreider and Bruins Captain Brad Marchand |
|
6 hours ago | By Tom Banks Montreal's Arber Xhekaj Opens Up On His Season As He Fights For a Roster Spot With The Canadiens |
|
9 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente JT Miller Finally Breaks His Silence About his Leave From the Team and Clears the Air With Canucks Fans |
|
11 hours ago | By Tom Banks Two Players Hit the Waiver Wire Today, Including a Surprise |
|
12 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente NHL Broadcasts Are Becoming More Inclusive As Gary Bettman Makes A Huge Announcement |
|
13 hours ago | By Julien Trekker Former Oiler Reveals What Ken Holland Told Him That Made Him Retire From the NHL |
|
17 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery NHL Insider Makes Shocking Prediction on Panthers Star Sam Bennett's Future With the Team |
Previously on Bladeofsteel