Canadiens GM: Kassian accident shows ‘lack of character’

Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin reacts to the news of Zack Kassian's car accident, says he doesn't know all the details yet, but it's a lack of character and judgement on his part.

Montreal Canadiens forward Zack Kassian suffered a broken nose and a broken left foot in a car accident Sunday, general manager Marc Bergevin told reporters Monday.

There is no timeline for his recovery, and Bergevin is weighing all his options on how to proceed with the player, who is currently on the roster.

“I do not have all the information, but it is disappointing to say the least,” said Bergevin, who was notified of the accident Sunday morning by the team doctor. “You have to be respectful. You’re lucky to be hockey players.

“I’m a firm believer in character, and that’s really a lack of character and judgment on his part.”

Bergevin said it is “safe to say” that Kassian, 24, is now on a short leash. NHL rosters must be finalized Tuesday at 5 p.m. ET.

Kassian was treated in hospital after being involved in a single-car accident early Sunday morning and has been released.

According to a report in the Montreal Gazette, a truck crashed into a tree around 6 a.m.

Montreal police told the Gazette that a 20-year-old woman was driving the truck, accompanied by a 24-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman.

Kassian, a native of Windsor, Ont., was traded to Montreal from Vancouver on July 1 for forward Brandon Prust and a 2016 fifth-round draft pick. The 6-foot-3 forward has scored 35 goals and 66 points in 198 regular-season games split between the Canucks and Buffalo Sabres.

Zack Kassian (Photo: @stevenp57)

(with files from Eric Engels)

When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.