Zack Kassian is ready for a huge season

Zack Kassian is going to be a key focal point for Canucks fans all season long. He ended last season on a torrid pace, he’s got a new communicative coach and a new offensive-minded centre. He looks poised to have a break out season.

Kassian was on TSN 1040 radio Friday morning. After listening to the interview, one thought came to mind: he’s ready. Listen to the full interview here.

Kassian on TSN 1040

Bro Jake asked what being more consistent means to Kassian:

“It means being physical every night – going back to the things that make me successful on a night to night basis, being physical, but first and most importantly, moving my feet.

I think when I’m moving my feet, that’s creating things, getting in on the forecheck, making turnovers, then my offense can take over from there.”

Dave Pratt asked if he’s set goals for the season:

“Yes I have. In the summer I definitely sat down. I think every player has to set goals… you have to set them high in order to push yourself every day.”

And those goals are?

“I want to be a big part of this team. I want to keep elevating my game, and we’ll just leave it at that.”

I’d love to know how many goals and points he’d like to put up this year, but oh well. Talking about his new offensive minded centre, Linden Vey:

“He sees the ice very well. He’s smart. He gets himself in good positions. Whenever you get the chance to play with a guy like that, it’s always comforting.”

With the home opener against the Edmonton Oilers Saturday, Bro Jake mentioned that the Oilers seem to have a particular dislike for Kassian. His response:

“That’s when I’m playing my best, when teams are coming after me… For some reason they don’t like me. If people are liking me, I’m not doing my job.”

Kassian also added he’s not a fan of staged fighting – fights that happen off the faceoff for no reason. He said there’s no place in the game for guys who play two minutes a game just to fight.

I don’t know about you, but I’m going to be watching Kass very closely on Saturday night. I have a feeling the Oilers will be too.

http://youtu.be/n0Gg4XZMf1Y