Canadiens trade Kassian to Oilers in exchange for Scrivens

Hockey Central at Noon breaks down the Canadiens-Oilers trade, wondering why Edmonton would take a chance on Zack Kassian, and whether the Ben Scrivens acquisition means Carey Price’s injury is worse than expected?

The Montreal Canadiens have acquired goaltender Ben Scrivens in exchange for forward Zack Kassian.

Scrivens is under contract until July of 2016 ($2.3 million), when he’ll become an unrestricted free agent. The Oilers will reportedly retain 24 per cent of his salary in the trade.

Scrivens, 29, was 2-6-1 with the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL this season. He hadn’t appeared in any games with the Oilers after playing 78 for them over the last two years.

Kassian, who cleared waivers one week ago, will not have to pass through them again to play in the AHL.

It was after a car crash in early October that Kassian entered into Phase 2 of the NHL and NHLPA’s rehabilitation program for substance abuse. He had suffered a broken nose and left foot in the accident.

Kassian, 24, will be an RFA this July. His NHL cap hit is $1.75M.

December 28, 2015 - 9:07 am ET
mon Montreal Canadiens
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edm Edmonton Oilers
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