Nashville Predators forward Cody Hodgson is running out of second chances, and Zack Kassian is getting another NHL shot, this time in Edmonton.
Two former first-round draft picks involved in a trade between Buffalo and Vancouver four years ago were heading in different directions Wednesday. Shortly after the Oilers announced they were calling up Kassian from the minors, a person with direct knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press that the Predators placed Hodgson on waivers.
It's the latest setback for Hodgson, who is on his third team since being selected by Vancouver with the 10th pick in the 2008 draft. Hodgson has struggled since the Predators signed him in free agency last summer, and after the Sabres bought out the final four years of his contract.
Hodgson has just three goals and eight points in 39 games; he was a healthy scratch in four of Nashville's past eight games. Since scoring a career-best 20 goals and 44 points in 2013-14 with Buffalo, he's combined for just 9 goals and 21 points in 117 games over the past 2 seasons.
For Kassian, his promotion from AHL Bakersfield comes a little over two weeks after the Oilers acquired the forward in a trade with Montreal. The trade was made shortly after Kassian was cleared to play after spending more than two months in a substance abuse program
Kassian was acquired by the Canadiens in a trade with Vancouver last summer, but never played a game in Montreal.
In early October, Kassian was placed in Stage 2 of the NHL's substance abuse and behavioral program after breaking his nose and left foot in motor vehicle accident.
The Sabres selected Kassian with the 13th pick in the 2009 draft.
Overall, he has 32 goals and 59 points in 171 career games.
