On this day in 2015, the Oilers acquire Zack Kassian from the Canadiens

On this day in 2015, the Edmonton Oilers acquired forward Zack Kassian from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for goaltender Ben Scrivens.

For Kassian, the 25-year-old forward, being traded to the Oilers wasn’t just an opportunity to play for a new city but a second chance to play in the NHL. Just three months before the trade, Kassian was involved in a motor vehicle accident in which he was under the influence of alcohol and other substances, resulting in the decision to enter the player into the NHL’s substance abuse program.

For Kassian, then 25, being traded to the Oilers wasn’t just an opportunity to play for a new city but a second chance to play in the NHL. Just three months before the trade, Kassian was involved in a motor vehicle accident in which he was under the influence, resulting in the decision to enter the player into the NHL’s substance abuse program.

“Three months ago, if you would have told me I had another shot at the NHL, I wouldn’t have been so sure; a lot of things were uncertain,” Kassian told the Edmonton Sun’s Robert Tychkowski.

“I’ve had a lot of time to get a solid foundation down, and I feel good heading into the hockey world now. Hockey is a second nature to me. I know I can play, it’s just a matter of staying on track.”

“I’m just looking to get back and play the game I love,” Kassian added. “There’s been a lot of things that have happened in the last three months and it’s been a whirlwind to get to where I am right now and get the opportunity. I feel blessed.”

Kassian would start his time with the organization down in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors, which Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli believed is where he could get up and running and leave the rest of the season up to Kassian to decide.

“He has a checkered past with substance abuse.. but he’s the type of player who would help us at his prime,” said Chiarelli. “There are risks attached to it, but I talked with Zack, and I talked with the doctors in the programs, and I feel satisfied completing this transaction.”

Kassian played 38 games for the Oilers that season, recording three goals and eight points. The following season delivered more promise, and Kassian recorded eight goals and 25 points, the best season since 2013-14 with the Vancouver Canucks.

As his time with the Oilers unfolded, Kassian became known on the Oilers for his physical capabilities. He displayed the qualities of a true enforcer, never backing down from a fight.

One of his most memorable times with the Oilers was when he and former Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk reignited the rivalry between the two teams through an on-ice scrum that heightened the discontent between the two teams.