The Edmonton Oilers recalled forward Zack Kassian from AHL Bakersfield Wednesday in advance of Thursday’s game versus the San Jose Sharks, a division rival.
Kassian, 24, was acquired on Dec. 28 from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for goaltender Ben Scrivens.
In four games with the Bakersfield Condors, Kassian scored one goal and took six minutes in penalties.
The hard-nosed player was a passenger in a car crash in early October and entered into Phase 2 of the NHL and NHLPA’s rehabilitation program for substance abuse shortly after. He suffered a broken nose and left foot in the accident.
A native of Windsor, Ont., Kassian is scheduled to become an restricted free agent this July. His NHL cap hit is $1.75 million.
“He was looking forward to an opportunity to come back, play, and show people he has learned his lessons,” Kassian’s agent, Rick Curran, said at the time of the trade.
“He’s doing everything he can on and off the ice to rehabilitate himself, and he wouldn’t have that opportunity had Marc Bergevin not afforded him that chance.”
The Oilers have lost three consecutive games.
