Henrik Sedin on Zack Kassian: 'Life is the most important thing'

Former Canuck Zack Kassian landed himself in some trouble when he was involved in a single car accident very early Monday morning, an event which precipitated Kassian's entrance into stage two of the league's substance abuse and behavioral health program later that day. 

Kassian was traded from Vancouver to Montreal over the summer in exchange for Brandon Prust, and news of his accident Monday quickly made its way to his former teammates in Vancouver. Canucks captain Henrik Sedin offered his support to the 24-year-old.

"You feel bad for the guy," Sedin told reporters Monday. "I always liked him as a guy. He had his issues, but he was always good to be around. Hopefully it works out for him … forget about hockey, but just life I think, for him, is the most important thing."

Kassian spent four years as part of the Canucks organization but never really broke through as a reliable player. A former first-round (13th overall) draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres, Kassian's best season with the Canucks was in 2013-14, when he recorded 29 points (14 goals, 15 assists) in 73 games. 

As part of entering stage two of the league's substance abuse program, Kassian will be suspended indefinitely without pay. Kassian suffered a broken nose and broken left foot in the crash. Two women who were also in the car with him also suffered non-life threatening injuries. 

(h/t SportsNet)