Kassian enters follow-up phase of substance abuse program, reportedly waived

Zack Kassian of the Montreal Canadiens has been returned to available status and entered the follow-up phase of the Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program, the NHL and its Players' Association announced Tuesday.

Kassian, 24, was admitted to Stage 2 of the program and suspended without pay prior to the start of the regular season after being involved in a car crash as a passenger that left him with a fractured left foot and a broken nose.

Shortly after the league made the announcement, Kassian was reportedly placed on waivers by the Canadiens, according to Bob McKenzie of TSN.

Drafted 13th overall by Buffalo in 2009, Kassian was acquired by the Canadiens from Vancouver this past summer. In 198 career games, he's recorded 35 goals, 31 assists, and 307 penalty minutes.