Penguins Interested in Oilers Kassian?

Just a quicky Penguins update. There’s a rumor afloat, published by Pittsburgh Hockey Now, tying the Pens to Edmonton right wing Zack Kassian.

A former 13^th overall pick by Buffalo in 2009, the rugged 30-year-old right wing has fallen short of those lofty expectations, but he’s been far from a bust. In fact, the 6’3” 210-pounder’s developed into a fast, more-than-serviceable heavyweight/scorer who’s tallied 84 goals in 552 career games with the Sabres, Canucks and, most recently, the Oilers.

In many ways a throw-back to old-school power forwards like black-and-gold alumni “Scary” Gary Roberts and Rick Tocchet.

Needless to say, he isn’t shy about dropping the gloves. The fast-swinging lefty’s fought all the big heavies, including Tom Wilson and ex-Pens Erik Gudbranson and Ryan Reaves. Although he doesn’t always prevail, Zack generally gives a good account of himself and he’s fearless. And while he can lose control of his emotions at times (the Matthew Tkachuk donnybrook), a little fire might be just what the doctor ordered for our “just play” Pens.

What would it take to land Kassian? I’m speculating, but the Oilers…kayoed in the first-round of the playoffs two straight seasons…need inexpensive young talent to fill in behind mega-talented (and mega-pricey) superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

I’m guessing the Oilers would ask for a mid-level prospect like Radim Zohorna.

An added word of caution before we cough up a prospect to acquire Zack. Following back-to-back 15-goal seasons with the Oil, Kassian slumped to a meager two goals in 27 games during an injury-riddled ‘20-21 campaign (concussion issues).

Red-flag city. Given his hell-for-leather style, you wonder how much mileage is left on his tread.

Contract-wise, the Windsor, Ontario native has three seasons remaining on a deal with an average annual value of $3.2 million. To put that into perspective, only 300 K per season less than Bryan Rust.

Stay tuned…