Zack Kassian's return to the NHL has been delayed again, this time by the Montreal Canadiens. A Saturday morning report from Renaud Lavoie of TVA suggests that Kassian, expected to report to the IceCaps following the Christmas break, has instead been asked not to join the team as they prepare to face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs' AHL affiliate, the Marlies. Habs head coach Michel Therrien, questioned about the move, offered a cryptic response.

Whatever that means, Therrien's words combined with the organization's request that Kassian stay away doesn't seem to bode well for the former first-round pick.

Kassian, a talented player viewed as a future power forward in the league, has dealt with numerous personal issues since entering the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres via the 2009 NHL Draft.

Those issues seemingly came to a head this season, when Kassian, only a few short months removed from being acquired by the Habs, was involved in a car accident in Montreal in which police suggested alcohol may have played a role. Kassian was subsequently placed in Stage Two of the league's Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health program.

Kassian was released from the program on Dec. 15 and waived shortly thereafter by the Canadiens.

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