He knows what it takes for a team to be successful, and it starts with the whole team buying in. The 'grittiness' impact of his style of play will fit in nicely alongside the aforementioned Ritchie, as well as forward Liam O'Brien, who always answers the bell when the opportunity arises.
"I think it's important, not for one individual to bring sandpaper, but it's collectively as a group," Kassian said. "If you have three, four, or five guys that can bring it on a nightly basis it just kind of gets everyone else really comfortable in the lineup, especially your skill guys, and I think it ultimately helps you win hockey games."
Kassian doesn't have any close ties to Arizona, other than having skated with Coyotes left winger Lawson Crouse while training during the pandemic. As it stands, there's a chance he could fit well on a line with the 25-year-old Crouse, who recorded career highs in both goals (20) and points (34) in 65 games last season.
Regardless of who his new linemates will be, he's picked up some teachable tricks throughout his NHL career. In fact, the success he's experienced has almost always started the same way, and he plans on leading by example upon his arrival.
"I saw the things [McDavid and Draisaitl] do, and being around them I've learned a lot," Kassian said. "First and foremost, you've got to bring your work boots every day. It's an every-day league.
"It's hard work, but ultimately if you can get the team to work hard, and stick together, and play together, more times than not you're going to have success."
Kassian emphasized the importance of the Coyotes coming together early, a huge challenge considering they play only four of their first 24 games at home. Furthermore, the club's new home - Arizona State's sparkling new multi-purpose arena - will have a much more intimate feel to it.
Not an easy situation, but Kassian is looking forward to facing it head on.
"I think it will be a lot of fun to play in a rink like that," Kassian said. "It's unique, and obviously not a perfect situation, but I think we can make it our own, we can make it a hard building to play in, and I think we can draw some more fans in to come watch us."