The former Canucks forward had been in a car accident earlier in the season, which revealed an alcohol addiction. After going through rehabilitation and trying to better himself, the Montreal Canadiens put him on waivers. When no one claimed him, they put him on the trade block, not wanting to give him another chance.
Finally, the Oilers stepped forward, willing to take a chance on the physical, gritty winger. They traded Ben Scrivens to Montreal for Kassian, and then sent him to the Bakersfield Condors for conditioning. After a productive week of physical play, goal-scoring and readjusting to the ice, Edmonton called up Kassian to the big club.