Canadiens ask Kassian not to report to AHL’s IceCaps

Zach Kassian has been admitted to an NHL-sanctioned substance abuse program following a single car accident in the early hours of Monday in which the Canadiens player sustained injuries on.

BROSSARD, Que. — The Montreal Canadiens have asked forward Zack Kassian not to report to the St. John’s IceCaps of the American Hockey League.

Kassian, who was reinstated by the NHL and NHLPA on December 15 after 74 days spent in Phase 2 of their substance abuse program, will cooperate with the Canadiens’ request.

Kassian was suspended without pay after being involved in a car accident in October. He was not the driver of the car.

Upon reinstatement, Kassian was placed on waivers. He cleared and was then sent to the IceCaps.

The Canadiens cannot trade Kassian, nor can they buy him out or get him to agree to terminate his contract until the NHL’s roster freeze is lifted at 12:01am on December 28.

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