Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Kassian on the move?

Windsor Spitfires General Manager Warren Rychel has announced that he will likely deal two of his star players now that Taylor Hall (EDM) and Cam Folwler (ANA) will not be coming back to the OHL. Among the players likely on the move before the January 10th trade dealine is Buffalo's 2009 first-round pick, Zack Kassian.

Rychel believes both (Ryan) Ellis and Kassian can be game changers on whatever roster either lands.

"They are big guys," Rychel said. "NHL guys."

Neither players has asked for a trade, but in recent weeks both have talked about the possibility of being traded and understand it's part of junior hockey.

I think there are three likely destinations for the bruising winger: Mississauga, Saginaw, and Kitchener. With the Majors hosting the 2011 Memorial Cup, it would seem that they'd be interesting in adding another big forward to blend into their talented crop that already includes the Sabres' 2010 fifth-round pick, Gregg Sutch. The Spirit and Rangers also make sense to have an interest in Kassian and perhaps even another Sabres prospect, Sudbury captain Marcus Foligno (more of a longshot), based on their loaded rosters and ability to make a run. This particular hockey watcher wouldn't mind if the Niagara IceDogs tossed their hat into the ring as well.

At six-foot-three and 225 pounds, Kassian combines both size and skill that few power forwards in the league possess.

"Kassian has the best combination of skill and toughness in the CHL and you need that to win in the playoffs," Rychel said.

"At the Memorial Cup (in Brandon), neither one of the western teams wanted any part of him. They wouldn't look him in the eyes.


I want everyone to take a minute and appreciate that quote....

Keep it here as Rychel is expected to act sooner rather than later.