What should Canucks do with Zack Kassian?

Zack Kassian's play for the Vancouver Canucks leading to the March 2 NHL trade deadline could be viewed a couple of ways.

The big right-winger raised his value with seven goals and nine points in a 10-game stretch, thus helping general manager Jim Benning maximize Kassian's potential return as he held trade talks.
Kassian, who came from Buffalo via a trade-deadline deal three years ago, was finally showing his potential after enduring some injuries and being a healthy scratch at various times this season, making it difficult for Benning to pull the trigger, given he's only 24.

Benning conceded to reporters after the deadline passed that Kassian's name was mentioned in discussions with fellow GMs, but he was reluctant to move the player with soft hands.

"Maybe we called some teams on Zack to see if there was interest because we identified players of similar ilk that we would consider doing," Benning told Vancouver reporters earlier this week.

"But Zack has played very well for us the last couple of weeks and we've been happy with his play. He's stepped up and he's doing the things we want him to do and he's been part of our team winning the last couple of weeks."

While Canucks forward Alex Burrows was sidelined by injury, Kassian fit in well alongside the Sedin twins, with each posting recent points streaks. Daniel had eight points in six games from Feb. 16-26 while Henrik's eight-game run (13 points) came to an end on Tuesday against San Jose.

Kassian missed the Sharks matchup with the flu but returned for Thursday's 3-2 shootout loss at Arizona.

For now, Kassian will stay with the Sedins, even though Burrows has returned to the lineup, playing with centre Shawn Matthias and winger Chris Higgins.

His future with the team, however, could become clearer during the summer. Vote in our poll below and share your thoughts in the comment section on what you would do with Kassian going forward.