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Does Edmonton Oilers Zach Kassian Deserve To Be in Trouble?

What did Zach Kassian do now? An untimely photo might have gotten the forward into some hot water.

This is not the first time Edmonton Oilers Zack Kassian has been in the news for the wrong reasons. As teams get ready for the play-in rounds, Kassian has caught the attention of a number of media outlets based on what looks to be a poor decision, with perhaps a little history behind it.

This story, now a couple of days old, is about the photo below that was taken last Friday after the Oilers’ physical winger Kassian had arrived in Edmonton to begin Phase 3 of his preparation for the return of the 2019-20 NHL postseason starting on August 1. First, as fans can see, Kassian certainly isn’t social distancing. That’s the first thing anyone looking at the photo that was posted on Instagram can see (and for some is the bigger issue).

However, there’s another potential issue with this photo that has caught a ton of attention as well. The man on the right in the photo with the 29-year-old Kassian is well-known to Edmonton police and is a full-patch member of the Hells Angels.

A Full-Patch, or what’s called being “patched,” means that the member has the right to wear all the sanctioned jacket patches, including the Hells Angel “death head” logo, the words “Hells Angels” on the top patch panel (called a rocker), and the club’s location on the lower rocker.

Related: Oilers to Offer Ethan Bear One-Year Deal?

Edmonton Biked Detective Isn’t Happy with Kassian’s Photo

Although the Edmonton Oilers organization reported that the photo was accidental and that Kassian had no idea who the person was, that might not be accurate. Sure, as the Oilers reported, there’s no doubt Kassian is a “blue-collar player” who likely wouldn’t turn down a photo with a fan. A number of fans in Oilers nation are defending him on that front.

Still, there’s evidence of a longer connection between Kassian and Lowry. One news outlet states that Kassian follows just 464 accounts on Instagram, with Lowry being one of them.

Jason Kemp, a biker detective in Edmonton, told the Edmonton Journal that it’s disappointing to see a professional athlete like Kassian having a photo taken with a member of the Hells Angels.

Kemp specifically noted, “It’s very disappointing on a couple of fronts. The primary one right now is with the COVID restrictions.” Kemp added that, because athletes have a special platform and the ability to reach youth, they should make wiser choices. It’s pretty clear that this isn’t a wise choice.

From my perspective, for someone who – like Kassian – has been kicked around the NHL more because of his behavior than his ability, you’d think when he’s finally landed well with the Oilers – as he has done – he’d be smart enough to fly under the radar a bit more. As an old guy myself, a hand around a shoulder with a gentle word of advice might help.

How Serious Is This Incident?

There’s been no suggestion by anyone near the Oilers organization that this is going to be a huge issue for the player or the team, but the story has blown up over the past three days. And while we’re not suggesting this could put Kassian in the dog house, it would be a shame if he were ultimately moved because of what are deemed to be poor choices.

It was reported that the Oilers told the media they reminded Kassian of the importance of physical distancing in light of the photo. If I were with the Oilers, I would certainly push the conversation further than that. As a fan, I love the “stuff” that Kassian brings to the team and I wouldn’t want to lose it.

As I say, Kassian’s behavior has gotten him into trouble before. He was charged with assault after a “fight” (altercation) in a bar in his home of Windsor, Ontario, in 2010. In 2015, he was involved in a car accident in Montreal while he was under the influence. That led to his suspension without pay and a term in the NHL’s substance abuse program.

After his admission in 2016 that he was an alcoholic, he’s seemed to be on the straight and narrow. Until this photo, he hadn’t gotten into any trouble.

But, given his history and what the Hells Angels represent – especially to someone with substance abuse issues – one has to wonder what’s going on in Kassian’s head. Really, what kind of insensitivity towards one’s position and the possibilities such behavior might have on that position did Kassian demonstrate?

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What Will the Edmonton Oilers’ Reaction Be?

Now the bigger question for Kassian is: “What will the Edmonton Oilers do?”

I don’t think much will happen before the course of the 2019-20 season plays out; however, in late January 2020, Kassian signed a four-year contract extension with the Oilers valued at $3.2 million per season. Given that commitment, how will the team respond?

As I say, I hope he stays. But, please Zack.

Related: Mike Green and Sven Baertschi Opt Out of Play-Ins

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