Zack Kassian retires from the NHL after 12 seasons

Zack Kassian has announced his retirement from the NHL after playing 12 seasons in the league. Over the course of his career, Kassian has played for the Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers and Arizona Coyotes.

“To play in the NHL is one thing, but to make a 12-year career of it is pretty special,” Kassian said, via the NHLPA website. “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 was a tough, hard-nosed player who carved out a nice career for himself as a useful bottom-six forward. He was originally selected 13th overall by the Sabres in the 2009 NHL Draft. Buffalo took a chance on him with their first-round pick because they saw him as an up-and-coming skilled power forward. He put up 77 points in 56 games during his final OHL season with the Windsor Spitfires, compiling 67 penalty minutes as well.

Similar to the Nashville Predators selecting Austin Watson with the 18th overall pick one year after Kassian was drafted, the Sabres were hoping for a player that never came to fruition. One of the hardest positions in the NHL to fill is a legitimately skilled power forward. There are only a handful of players who fit that description in the league, including both Tkachuk brothers, Timo Meier, Jamie Benn, and a few others. Kassian never grew into his potential as a top-six power forward, but he did find a way to help his team at the bottom of the lineup.

Kassian finished his career with 92 goals and 203 points in 661 games, along with 913 penalty minutes. He played in 45 playoff games, scoring six goals and nine points. His best season was in 2019-20 with the Oilers when he scored 15 goals and 34 points in 59 games during the COVID-19 shortened year.