The rumors of an impending deal involving Zack Kassian once the holiday trade freeze expired popped up on Saturday, when the former Buffalo Sabres first rounder was told by the Montreal Canadiens to report to their AHL affiliate in St. Johns.
The trade sends Kassian to the Edmonton Oilers for goalie Ben Scrivens. Scrivens has been with Toronto, Los Angeles and Edmonton and provides Montreal with an experienced backup once Carey Price returns, but in the interim, Scrivens will pair with fellow Ivy Leaguer Mike Condon while Price continues to recover from a lower body injury.
GM Mark Bergevin pulls off another smart deal here, as the Oilers pick up nearly a quarter of Scrivens $2.3 Million salary and GM Peter Chiarelli gets a talented winger with size that can play in the NHL if he has put his troubles behind him.
Kassian will report to the Oilers AHL affiliate in Bakersfield, CA.
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