Former Edmonton Oiler comes out of retirement after just a few months

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Liam McCormick
January 28, 2024 (12:52)

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After officially announcing his retirement at the beginning of this season, former Oiler Zack Kassian has signed another contract to return to professional hockey. Earlier this morning, it was announced that Kassian has signed with HC Sparta Praha in the Czech Republic.

Kassian was a former first round draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres in 2009, and went on to play with four different teams over the course of his 661 game NHL career. From 2015-2022, Kassian was a fixture on the Oilers as they rose from a rebuilding team to a bona-fide cup contender. Last season, Kassian finished his NHL career playing 58 games with the Arizona Coyotes.

Despite being drafted highly, Kassian never panned out as an offensive threat, and finished his career with a season high of 15 goals and 34 points. Kassian mostly played the role of an enforcer or veteran presence late in his career, reflected by his impressive 913 penalty minutes on his career.

All Oilers fans will be wishing Kassian the best in his future endeavours, first in joining the Czech pro league, and whatever may come after that. Many times, professional athletes struggle with the decision to retire and the absence of hockey immediately afterwards, and look to make a move back in. It's great to see Kassian return to pro-hockey after just a short time in retirement.