The role of Zack Kassian will be determined this year under new head coach WD. There have been varying opinions as to where he should be in the line up and the shape his game should be molded into. We do know a few things from last year, he can skate, he can pass, he can shoot and he will drop the gloves. He struggled under Torts, as he did with AV, to find a role. Although by the end of the year, he started to get comfortable with Booth and Richie and get some points.

Let’s go over some the scenarios I have read so far….and applaud or cringe together.

1. Kassian with the Twins

2. Kassian on the 2nd line

3. Kassian on another line, which would drive Nucks fans crazy.

Now I have seen a lot of talk about Kass with the Twins. I don’t agree with this, it’s been documented on several posts. (right coachryan) The Twins are cyclers, there has even been a blog named "Cycle like the Sedins". Do we want Kass to turn into a cycler or be a physical presence in front of the net? He can’t be that presence with the Sedins since the cycle works better with three forwards. I have heard that the Sedins need a tough presence on their line to deter others from taking cheap shots at them. (Sheldon) That guy shouldn’t be Kass. Why turn Kass into an enforcer or protector? With the way the NHL has moved towards punishing the third person involved in any altercation, this will lead to Kass in the penalty box more than the score sheet. Include the suspension he already has and it becomes easier for refs to call the quick penalty on Kass, instead of the other guy. I want Kass scoring not fighting. This post is not supposed to be about the "softness"of the Sedins, but I am sure the crowd will turn that way soon enough.

Kass on the 3rd or 4th line may occur this year at some point. Kass is still young and developing and will make mistakes, especially in the defensive zone. Should he been on that line permanently, no, but mark my words kids…..he will be there during the year. Please send hate mail to WD.

Realistically, Kass is a second line player. He needs time to develop against better players and learn defensive zone responsibilities. His game is better suited for speed (again not the Sedins forte) and aggressive forechecking. Kass can be a great setup man and is learning to get himself into shooting position better.

Zack does need to get more PP time, but I think that comes when he gets points more consistently 5 on 5. Zack has to take less stupid penalties and learn when to skate away. Zack has to decide when he needs to fight and when it’s better for the team for him to take a punch. Discipline takes experience.

I look forward to wide variety of responses as I shake my head in disagreement.