Zack Kassian reinstated from NHL/NHLPA substance abuse program
The NHL and NHLPA substance abuse program has reinstated troubled Montreal Canadiens forward Zack Kassian according to a release.
Kassian had been in “Stage Two” of the program since early October. According to a prior release from the league and the PA he was suspended without pay until he was “cleared for on-ice competition by the program administrators.”
The Canadiens placed Kassian on waivers Tuesday according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman and TSN's Bob McKenzie.
Said the release: "Kassian’s care continues to be administered pursuant to the NHL/NHLPA SABH Program."
Kassian’s entering the program came shortly after he was involved in an early-morning car crash in late October. Montreal general manager Marc Bergevin said the accident showed a “lack of character” on Kassian’s part. Kassian broke his left foot and his nose in the accident.
The Habs acquired Kassian in a July trade from the Vancouver Canucks for forward Brandon Prust and a 2016 fifth-round draft pick. Kassian was the 13th overall pick in the 2009 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. He has scored 66 points in 198 games total.
Kassian is in the final season of a two-year $3.5 million contract.
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