Zack Kassian is ready to embrace the future in Edmonton.
The 25-year-old, who signed a one-year contract worth a reported $1.5 million with the Oilers on Thursday, will enter next season knowing he's earned a spot on a roster less than a year after going through the NHL's substance abuse program.
"For them to give me another opportunity to show that I've changed my life around ... I'm beyond happy," Kassian said. "I'm just excited to come in and hit the ground running knowing that this is going to be the year that'll make me or break me."
He's also eager to be part of a long-awaited measure of success in Edmonton.
"As players, we're excited to get an opportunity to show that our team is changing & the culture is changing." @zkassian9 on #Oilers future
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) May 19, 2016
Kassian recorded three goals and five assists in 36 games for the Oilers last season, and will look to rediscover the kind of game that allowed him to be selected 13th overall in 2009.
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