LEWISTON, N.Y. – On May 23, Zack Kassian reached the pinnacle of his young life, winning junior hockey’s championship, the Memorial Cup, with his hometown Windsor Spitfires. Less than a week later, however, the 19-year-old Buffalo Sabres prospect tumbled to his nadir, getting arrested and charged with assault following an alleged bar fight in the Canadian border town.

The aftermath has been harsh for the bruising winger. The Sabres cut off contract negotiations. One official questioned whether he’d even be able to enter the United States.

Kassian, the 13th overall pick in 2009, said the incident has taught him how quickly fortunes can change. He hopes he no longer takes anything for granted.

“It’s been tough, but I’ve learned from it,” Kassian said Monday following the first session of the Sabres’ annual summer development camp at Dwyer Arena. “I’m just trying to get better day in and day out. My main focus right now is to leave a good impression and try to make this team.”

Kassian, who will be arraigned Wednesday, acknowledged what was plainly obvious – the Sabres were livid with him.

“No team likes to hear that news,” he said. “I’m young. It’s a mistake – it’s a big mistake. But I’ve learned from it and I think I’ve become a better person from it.”

It’s unclear when the Sabres will reopen contract negotiations. There’s a belief the sides could talk again later in the summer. A message was left with Paul Krepelka, Kassian’s agent.

“I’m not the one that does that stuff, so I’m just here to work hard and all that stuff will handle itself,” Kassian said.

Even without the recent blemish, Kassian, 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, would’ve been one of the more intriguing youngsters on display at Niagara University. He’s a ferocious, high-octane presence who hits anything in sight and possesses a strong scoring touch.

A year ago, a sore foot sidelined Kassian from the camp’s on-ice workouts. He’s enjoying his full participation this year.

“It started off great,” Kassian said. “I walked into the dressing room, I’m standing right next to (Calder Trophy winner) Tyler Myers. That’s obviously a lot of fun. Just getting to meet the new guys and the old guys (who) have been through it, it’s just a fun experience, and I’m glad I could be a part of it this summer.”

If he can’t join the Sabres, Kassian’s prepared to go back to the Ontario Hockey League and help the Spitfires win a third straight Memorial Cup.

“My heart’s here in Buffalo and I want to play for this team and help this team win a Cup,” he said. “(But I’ll) go back to Windsor and be a leader and try to three-peat it.”
 

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