New Vancouver forward Zack Kassian Video - Top Plays

[The Q]

Zack Kassian Headshot Hit on Matt Kennedy (Video) Yes folks I'm in! Tap Tap Tap! IN In IN! #Vancouver #Canucks

[richardhodges]

me likey.

If Kassian lives up to the hype, this trade will be just fine.

[richardhodges]

Canucks’ Hodgson for Kassian trade: What they’re saying

Canucks

[richardhodges]

Canucks' Hodgson-Kassian trade looks a lot like

The only way this trade is Naslund-Stojanov II is if you have no idea who any of Hodgson, Kassian, Naslund and Stojanov are.

For one Cody Hodgson wasn't even in Sudden Death!

[richardhodges]

Stojanov was never on the level that Kassian is. His draft comparable was Bob Probert. Let's not pretend that the 90s Canucks scouting staff thinking highly of him was any indication of actual skill. Also, Kassian hasn't had the crippling shoulder injury that ruined Stojanov's career before he was even traded.

Hodgson is a good player, but Kassian isn't exactly hot garbage.

[TheFlyingV]

As I said on Twitter, killer Kassian is nuts. The guy has an immeasurable mean streak and could cross the line stepping up for a teammate at any time. For better or for worse, that's why I love the guy as an addition to the lineup. Can't beat 'em on the ice if you can't beat 'em in the alley.

[richardhodges]

I wouldn't be very shocked if no one has a problem with this trade this summer.

[richardhodges]

Elliotte Friedman has a lot on this trade

Nash may wish to broaden trade list | Hockey | CBC Sports

6. I'll admit to a man-crush with Cody Hodgson's game, so I'm not the best person to properly evaluate the Vancouver/Buffalo trade. That, and I haven't seen a ton of Zack Kassian. But contacted several NHL types to ask their thoughts, I was amazed by the wildly divergent opinion. There was no consensus. For everyone who liked Hodgson, there was someone who questioned whether he really is a top-six forward. For everyone who said that Kassian's got Milan Lucic written all over him, there was someone who said he's not in Lucic's league. It's going to be fascinating to see how this turns out.

7. There was real surprise Buffalo dealt Kassian. Not so much for Hodgson -- no room for him to play centre in Vancouver's lineup. While Canucks GM Mike Gillis wouldn't confirm Hodgson asked for a trade, several other teams were under the impression he had done so -- recently. Hodgson sounded shocked in his interviews, though.

8. Why was there surprise about Kassian? The Sabres don't really have many players or prospects like him. If there is one concern about his game, it's that he can frustrate coaches by not always using his size and physical skills to best advantage -- although one scout said there's been improvement in that area lately.

9. Another scout on Marc-Andre Gragnani: "Great on the power play, but otherwise a very risky player ... still learning to defend."

[TheFlyingV]

If motivating Kassian to use his size and strength will be Alain Vigneault's greatest concern moving forward the new number nine should be fine. AV is a master motivator, and always manages to bump his players out of slumps quickly.

[richardhodges]

But he's benching him and apparently rookies never recover from being benched. Ever.


Every minute of ice time lost is a minute lost on your potiental career.