After 2009 first round pick Zack Kassian exercised a positive turnaround to a season of poor publicity, it seems as if the bruising power forward has again cast himself a negative shadow.
Kassian, a member of the Memorial Cup champion Spitfires, was arrested at 1:50 Sunday morning following a fight at a Windsor nightclub. Charges may be pending after the altercation left the other combatant with minor injuries including a split lip. No further details are available at this time.
The latest development shines a light on Kassian's need to mature. Players with a mean, aggressive streak can be very effective once they are able to harness that energy and keep it to ice, but they are of little use if they can't conduct themselves off it. As far as the Sabres are concerned, the only acceptable sin bin is the one at the rink.
Kassian made hockey headlines in January when he received a 20-game suspension for a high hit on Barrie's Matt Kennedy in his first game in a Windsor uniform. The intimidating right wing returned with fresh legs in time for the Spits run through the OHL playoffs and dominating defense of Canadian junior's top trophy.
We'll have more details as they drop.
The Sabres should punish him by making him go back to juniors for one more year. Don't reward him for his actions by giving him an NHL roster spot. That should teach him pretty darn quick.
He had an incident with breaking curfew just a few months back as well.
yeah, there's a standard that these kids, especially first round picks, need to be held to. Regardless of the situation, Kassian really isn't doing himself any favors by finding trouble like this.
The curfew break stemmed from a visit from his significant other. Rules are rules and kids are kids, and at least that incident didn't involve alcohol and fisticuffs. This one has a completely different flavor that is simply unacceptable.
We've seen other guys do this in the past. Hockey players are targets. I dont want to hear excuses though. You have to know to walk away.
I think this a good sign. You never hear about the fairies we have now getting into bar fights with all their clubbing.
Getting into trouble before signing a contract is NOT a good sign JP aka fair weather fan.
You've sullied the good name of Ellis Bozzolo.
Monday, May 31, 2010 × This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.