Former NHLer comes out of retirement, signs new contract after only three months

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Cooper Godin
January 28, 2024 (3:50 PM)

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A former NHLer has come out of retirement after only three months on the sidelines to sign in the Czech Extraliga.

In late October, just a few weeks after an unsuccessful professional tryout contract with the Anaheim Ducks, Zack Kassian decided that it was time to hang up his skates.

The move came as a bit of a surprise to many, given him being only 33, but after only three months on the sidelines, it appears that he's reconsidered his decision.

On Sunday, HC Sparta Praha, a team in the Czech Extraliga, announced that they've agreed to terms on a contract with Zack Kassian for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.

"He has proven his qualities over many years in the NHL, played with the best. He is an extremely annoying player, exactly the kind that every team needs. He has a huge desire to get back on the ice and win," the team said in a press release.

Kassian, a native of Windsor, Ontario, skated in 661 games during his National Hockey League career, which spanned over parts of 12 seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers and Arizona Coyotes where he had 203 points (92 goals, 111 assists) and 913 penalty minutes.

It's unclear what Zack Kassian will do at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, whether he retires again, tries to return to North America or stay in Europe, but it's great to see that he's decided to come back.