Cactus Style: Zack Kassian to lead a new brand of Coyotes hockey

Big, physical, and gritty. That’s what we can expect from the Arizona Coyotes next season.

The Yotes were probably the most active team during the NHL Draft two weeks ago, with general manager Bill Armstrong making five selections in the opening two rounds. They also made two trades on draft night, one of which led to the acquisition of a veteran winger.

Arizona traded the No. 32 pick to the Edmonton Oilers for a package that included veteran forward Zack Kassian and a slew of draft picks.

“He’s going to be a great add into our new style of game we’re trying to play,” Armstrong said of Kassian on Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo.

Acquiring Kassian wasn’t even their best move on draft night. The Coyotes also traded up to No. 11 overall, where they selected the 6-foot-4, 203-pound center, Conor Geekie.

Could this start a transition into a bigger, meaner club? By Armstrong’s description, it’s certainly plausible.

“Cactus style,” Armstrong said.

And it starts with Kassian, who will bring his veteran presence along with his 6-foot-3, 211-pound frame. The 31-year-old has been plagued with injuries the last three seasons but is coming off a trip to the Western Conference Finals with the Edmonton Oilers.

One of the benefits to Kassian is that he’s very dependable when healthy. Whether it’s the first line or the third line, it’s nearly a guarantee that Kassian will provide much-needed team chemistry.

“He’s someone who can have a lot of different roles for us,” Armstrong added.

Kassian has a history of doing just that. He was consistently a first-liner or a third-line grinder during his tenure in Edmonton (2015-2022) and also played on a line with Connor McDavid, who has won the Art Ross Trophy, which is awarded to the player that leads the league in points at the end of the regular season, four times in his first seven NHL seasons.

Armstrong has stressed adding players like Kassian to the lineup. But unlike previous seasons, the Coyotes are beginning to build a solid stable. Kassian is the latest addition to a potent mix of forwards, including Lawson Crouse, Liam O’Brien, and Nick Ritchie.

The Coyotes also signed veteran center Nick Bjugstad in free agency. The 30-year-old stands at 6-foot-6, 218 pounds.

Although “Cactus Style” sounds bloody, Armstrong says the Coyotes will play hard but clean. 

“When you come to watch the Yotes, you’re going to see a great brand of hockey.”

Stanley Cup Aspirations Cue’ the Duck Boats Pod

The boys are back after a long break but have plenty to talk about as the playoffs are in full swing. We go series by series, looking at how teams have fared so far and who will come out on top. Thanks for listening! Please rate and review our show on your favorite listening platform. Check out our partner's website at www.insidetherink.com for all your latest hockey news.
  1. Stanley Cup Aspirations
  2. The Final Countdown
  3. Here Come the Playoffs
  4. Home Stretch
  5. Kevy Cooks

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Ryan O'Hara

Award-winning sportswriter from Denver, Colorado.

Leave a Reply

ECHL: Matt Carkner Has Stepped Down as Orlando Solar Bears Coach; Eyes Return to AHL

After three seasons behind the bench, Matt Carkner has stepped down as Head Coach and General Manager of the Orlando Solar Bears to pursue a coaching opportunity in the AHL, the team announced Tuesday. Carkner, 44, was hired ahead of the 2022–23 season and quickly became a cornerstone of consistency and grit. Under his leadership, […]

Read More
Eddie Genborg at the 2025 NHL Scouting Combine

2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Eddie Genborg

Eddie Genborg is a 6-foot-2, 205-pound left wing from Trollhattan, Sweden, who is considered a hard-working, two-way forward. Genborg turned 18 in April and has been playing for Linköping for a few years. The physical forechecker scored 19 goals with 15 assists in 28 regular season games with the J20 team and added three points […]

Read More
Jake O'Brien skating for the Brantford Bulldogs

2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Jake O’Brien

The Scouting Report: Jake O’Brien is another exciting prospect eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft, slated to be selected in the first 15 picks of the draft. O’Brien scored 32 goals and 98 points with the Brantford Bulldogs in just 66 games. He followed up with a strong playoffs, scoring 11 points in 11 games. […]

Read More