Montreal Canadiens forward Zack Kassian has entered a substance abuse program one day after being involved in a car accident that left him with a broken nose and broken left foot.
The NHL and NHL Players Association said in a statement Monday that Kassian “has been placed in Stage Two of the Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program.”
WATCH: Montreal Canadiens forward Zack Kassian has entered stage two of the NHL/NHLPA’s rehab program following a car accident on Sunday that left him with a broken nose and foot. Rob Leth reports.
Under the terms of the program, the Canadiens forward will be suspended without pay until cleared for on-ice competition by the program administrators.
WATCH: Montreal Canadiens forward Zack Kassian injured in car crash
Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin told reporters Monday the incident showed “a lack of character and judgment.”
“I do not have all the information, but it is disappointing to say the least,” Bergevin said. “You have to be respectful. You’re lucky to be hockey players.
“I’m a firm believer in character, and that’s really a lack of character and judgment on his part.”
WATCH: The Montreal Canadiens react as forward Zack Kassian is treated for minor injuries after being involved in a traffic accident Sunday.
The accident happened early Sunday morning when a truck crashed into a tree around 6 a.m.
Police told The Montreal Gazette a 20-year-old woman was driving the truck and was accompanied by a 24-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman.
Kassian, a native of Windsor, Ont., was traded to Montreal from Vancouver on July 1 for forward Brandon Prust and a 2016 fifth-round draft pick.
Comments