Andrew William Cassels, born on July 23, 1969, is a former Canadian professional ice hockey centre who played sixteen seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). Cassels was born and raised in Bramalea, Ontario, where he played his minor hockey.
Andrew Cassels with Markus Naslund during his time with the Vancouver Canucks
Early Career and Draft
Andrew Cassels was selected 17th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. He played three stellar seasons with the Ottawa 67's of the OHL, with his best season coming in 1987-88, when he led the OHL in assists and points in both the regular season and playoffs en route to winning the league MVP award.
NHL Debut and Early Years
Cassels' NHL career officially began with the Canadiens during the 1989-1990 season. In his NHL debut with Montreal on 19 November 1989, Cassels scored his first career goal on his first shift and first shot against the Calgary Flames. Although his time with Montreal was relatively short, he demonstrated his potential as a center with a keen eye for assists.
In 1991, Cassels was traded to the Hartford Whalers, a move that would allow him to further develop his skills and gain more ice time. It was in Hartford that Cassels had his greatest success.
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Hartford Whalers: A Period of Growth
During his tenure with the Whalers, Cassels became an integral part of the team's offensive lineup. He recorded 41 points in the 1991-92 campaign and had a strong playoffs, finally showing the offensive potential that had seen him taken in the first round of the draft. His ability to read the game and set up scoring opportunities for his teammates was evident, and he consistently ranked among the team's top point producers.
He would explode in 1992-93, as he recorded 21 goals and 64 assists for 85 points, and formed a deadly partnership with sniper Geoff Sanderson establishing himself as one of the best young playmaking centres in the game. Cassels' playmaking prowess was highlighted during the 1992-1993 season when he recorded 85 points, including 64 assists, which was one of the highest totals of his career. While he would not come close to matching those totals again as Hartford struggled to non-playoff finishes, he continued to mature as an all-around player in the following years. He and Sanderson remained a consistent and effective offensive partnership.
In 1996-97, Cassels was a member of the final Hartford Whalers team before they relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina. Cassels was a member of the final Whalers team in 1996-97, but did not make the move with the franchise to Carolina as he was dealt to the Calgary Flames that summer.
Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks
His time with the Flames was marked by steady performance, as he continued to contribute both goals and assists, helping to bolster the team's offensive efforts. In 1997, the Whalers franchise relocated and became the Carolina Hurricanes. Cassels continued to play with the team for another season before being traded to the Calgary Flames in 1998.
In 1999, Cassels became an unrestricted free agent and signed a three-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks. The year 2000 saw Cassels move to the Vancouver Canucks, where he played alongside notable players such as Markus Naslund and Todd Bertuzzi. In Vancouver, he would be rejuvenated offensively, bouncing back to a record 45 assists and 62 points in 1999-2000.
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His tenure with the Canucks was marked by a strong on-ice chemistry with his linemates, which translated into productive seasons. In his first two seasons in Vancouver, he would lead the team in assists and finish second in scoring. Cassels' ability to adapt to different playing styles and his consistent point production made him a valuable asset to the Canucks during his time there. However, team success continued to elude him, as his string of playoff misses was extended to nine.
Columbus Blue Jackets and Washington Capitals
With the expiration of his contract in 2002 and the development of younger centremen Brendan Morrison and Henrik Sedin, Cassels left Vancouver in 2002 to sign a free agent contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he was reunited with his friend and former linemate Geoff Sanderson. In 2002, Cassels signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets, bringing his veteran experience to the relatively new franchise.
None of their chemistry had disappeared in their five years apart, as both players had their biggest years since their time in Hartford. Cassels' 48 assists and 68 points were his highest totals since his career year in 1993. He played with the Blue Jackets for two seasons, continuing to provide leadership and offensive support.
Following the 2004-05 NHL lockout, Cassels signed with the Washington Capitals on 12 August 2005. Cassels' final NHL season was with the Washington Capitals in 2005-2006, after which he retired from professional hockey. However, the year-long layoff, along with age and injuries, greatly reduced his effectiveness.
Career Statistics
In 16 NHL seasons, Cassels appeared in 1015 games, recording 204 goals and 528 assists for 732 points along with 410 penalty minutes.
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| Season | Team | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points | Penalty Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NHL Career Total | Various Teams | 1015 | 204 | 528 | 732 | 410 |
Post-Playing Career
He is a former assistant coach with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL. Cassels, a 41-year-old Bramalea, Ontario native joins the Cyclones staff with a tremendous hockey pedigree.