LATEST | Former Canuck leaves European team for personal reasons

Last fall, after an unsuccessful professional tryout with the Anaheim Ducks, former Vancouver Canucks forward Zack Kassian announced his retirement from professional hockey.

However, three months later, Kassian decided to come out of retirement and signed a contract for the remainder of the 2023-24 season with HC Sparta Praha of the Czech Extraliga.

This week, with HC Sparta Praha getting ready for their quarterfinal series in the playoffs, Kassian has decided to end his contract with the team and has returned home to Canada for personal reasons.

HC Sparta Praha released a statement announcing the news, saying that they're sad to see Kassian return home, but respect his decision.


Note: the following quote was translated from Czech.


Kassian, 33, appeared in eight games during his stint in Czechia, putting up three points (two goals, one assist), four penalty minutes and was a plus-four.

It's going to be interesting to see what Kassian decides to do this summer, whether he retires again or wants to give it a go in North America once again, potentially on a PTO like last fall.

Source: Hokej.cz