Zack Kassian: 'Best thing for my career was probably the car accident'

Looking back, Zack Kassian is thankful.

Thankful that a single car accident back in training camp wasn't more serious than it was, and for how the Montreal Canadiens prompted change in his personal life with their response.

Now a member of the Edmonton Oilers, Kassian - who returns to Montreal for the first time Saturday - reflected on the club's decision to suspend him without pay, send him to the NHL's substance abuse program, and, finally, waive and trade his rights.

"The best thing for my carer was probably the car accident," Kassian told reporters. "It was an eye opener. Who knows what would have happened if that car accident never happened?

"At the time (the suspension) was tough to swallow, but for the last four months I’ve learned to be OK with it and move on."

As such, he holds no ill will toward the Canadiens or general manager Marc Bergevin.

"They were great to me while I was here," he said. "Marc is a great person. The team is a bunch of great guys. I couldn’t thank the team enough.

"What happened to me was negative, but at the same time what came from that was me finally realizing that I needed help. I got it and now it’s just a matter of staying on top of it."

So far, Kassian is making the most of his second chance, recording two goals and two assists in eight games with the Oilers.