Making The Grade: Matt Kassian

Season Review – Matt Kassian came over from Minnesota in a trade midway through the season as a response to the Senators being pushed around at certain points in the season.  Kassian was brought in to provide a physical presence and be a deterrent with his fists when called upon.  He played 13 regular season games with the Senators, scoring one goal.  He was in 5 fights in those 13 games.

Mar 30, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Ottawa Senators left wing Matt Kassian (28) fights with Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Colton Orr (28 in the first period at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Playoffs – Kassian got into 5 playoff games, 4 in the first round win against the Canadiens.  He recorded 2 assists and was part of the line brawl that changed the tide of the series where Montreal instigated and Ottawa finished the brawl.

Contract Status – Kassian has one more year remaining on his contract that carries a cap hit of $575,000.

Importance To Franchise – While his presence might be welcome on some nights, Kassian will never be an everyday player and is not a key building block of the franchise.

Needs to Improve – If he could learn to put himself in better position offensively, he could contribute more with his hands than with his fists.  It is often a matter of being in the correct spots, and using his size to create space and time.

Grade – C…Kassian provided what was expected most of the time, but he really didn’t do much to set himself apart.