The Edmonton Oilers have re-signed restricted free agent Zach Kassian to a one-year contract, the team announced Thursday. The deal is worth $1.5 million, reports TSN’s Bob McKenzie.
The #Oilers have agreed to terms with forward Zack Kassian on a one-year contract. Welcome back, Zack! pic.twitter.com/9S9TpbjOoj
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) May 19, 2016
Kassian started last season on contract with the Montreal Canadiens, but a preseason car accident where he was a passenger left him with a broken foot and nose. The team was upset about the circumstances under which the accident occurred.
“I’m a firm believer in character, and that’s a lack of character on his part,” general manager Marc Bergevin said at the time.
Once healthy, in mid-December, he was traded to the Oilers for Ben Scrivens, and that was ultimately the start of the year for Kassian.
He played 36 games, scoring three goals and nine points, taking on an enforcer role with the young club. The former 13th overall draft pick has only once really ignited the combination of offensive production and strength he showed in juniors paying for the Windsor Spitfires.
He scored 14 goals and 29 points for the Vancouver Canucks in the 2013-14 season, but hasn’t been able to replicate that since.