Zack Kassian Announces Retirement After 12 NHL Seasons

After not finding a place to play this offseason, Zack Kassian has called it a career after 12 seasons.

“To play in the NHL is one thing, but to make a 12-year career of it is pretty special.”

Zack Kassian has officially announced his retirement following 661 regular-season games. Full release: https://t.co/dfDKWuiq4c pic.twitter.com/pRinst2abl
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) October 26, 2023

One of the most up and down careers to date, he carved out a solid career for himself. Drafted 13th overall in 2009 by the Buffalo Sabres, he was traded just two seasons later after only playing 27 games for the team that drafted him.

The Sabres traded him over to the Vancouver Canucks where he spent parts of four seasons with them. He proved that he wasn't a first round talent, but brought other elements every game and became a strong bottom-six player while dealing with off-ice issues.

In 2015-16, the Edmonton Oilers gave him a chance and it was the best thing to happen to his career. For a team that lacked depth and needed some physical players in their lineup, Kassian stepped in and then stepped up, earning three contracts and over $18 million from the Oilers. He spent time in the top-six with the Oilers and had a most memorable playoff performance in 2017 when the Oilers went to Game 7 of the second round.

After injuries started to get the best of him, Kassian ended his career with the Arizona Coyotes after the Oilers traded him. The drop-off was most noticeable last season and he's thankful that his career lasted so long for the type of game he played.