Oilers' Kassian excited for return to NHL after 'it almost slipped away'
Edmonton Oilers forward Zack Kassian will play his first NHL game in over 10 months on Thursday.
Kassian, who was recalled Wednesday by the Oilers following a four-game stint with the AHL's Bakersfield Condors, has not played in the NHL this season, after entering into the league's substance abuse program in October. He's thankful to have been given a second chance.
"I'm excited to be back in the NHL," Kassian said. "It's what we dream about, and it almost slipped away. So I couldn't be more happy to get another chance."
The 24-year-old was acquired by the Oilers in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens on Dec. 28.
"Overall I feel really good," Kassian said. "I did some fitness testing and did well on that, so I'm just excited to get into games here.
"I got called up, I'm ready. I wouldn't have been called up if I wasn't ready. I'm looking forward to playing tomorrow."
The 13th overall pick in 2009 has recorded 66 points in 198 career NHL games.