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 % |
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