Former NHLer comes out of retirement after only three months

When NHLers hang up their skates, it's really anyone's guess how long they'll stay retired, especially if they haven't even reached their mid-30's yet. Case in point, a retired NHLer has officially come out of retirement after stepping away from the game just a few months ago.

Former NHL forward Zack Kassian has decided to continue playing professional hockey after a brief retirement from the NHL back in October. Kassian has signed a contract with HC Sparta Praha of the Czech Extraliga league.


The 33-year-old failed to earn an NHL contract after getting released from his professional tryout contract with the Anaheim Ducks during training camp, which eventually led to him retiring.


The Buffalo Sabres thought they were drafting a true power forward when they selected Kassian with the 13th pick of the 2009 draft. Unfortunately, his stay with the franchise would only last 27 games. During his rookie season Kassian was traded to the Vancouver Canucks for Cody Hodgson and Alexander Sulzer.

Kassian would have a solid NHL career as a bottom six forward, with glimpses higher in the lineup, providing grit, and physicality. He would chip in offensively scoring 92 goals and 203 points in 661 games, split between the Sabres, Canucks, Edmonton Oilers and Arizona Coyotes.

Congrats to Kassian on his new deal and perhaps with a strong showing overseas, Kassian will be able to put himself back on NHL teams' radars ahead of the 2024-25 season.