Ondrej Kase Will Be Key To the Bruins Success
So far this offseason, the Boston Bruins have been one of hockey's quietest teams. Other than signing Craig Smith to a three-year deal, the Bruins have focused on resigning their own. Last week, they agreed on a two- year deal with Jake DeBrusk, leaving Zdeno Chara as their only free agent. Although Bruins fans hoped-for more additions offensively, management will be looking for the current group to step up. One player Bruins will count on heavily when play resumes is Ondrej Kase.
The Bruins acquired Kase last season to boost the second line. However, things didn't go as planned as in six regular-season games, Kase only recorded one point. In the Playoffs, the Bruins winger did show improvement as he had four assists in 11 games. While his postseason performance was encouraging, the Bruins will need more from the former seventh-round pick in 2020.
Additionally, Kase has seemingly had the worst luck since joining the Bruins. After being traded, Kase was put on the IR and wasn't activated until six days later. After finally getting in the lineup, the season was put on pause due to the COVID-19 outbreak. As a result, it took longer than expected for Kase to form chemistry with his new linemates.
Before being acquired by the Bruins, Kase had seven goals and 16 assists in 49 games for the Ducks. The 2014 seventh-round pick was also on pace to reach the 30 point mark for the second time in his career. With David Krejci and DeBrusk as his linemates, the Bruins second-line was expected to be a force but instead struggled to score.
Although Kase’s struggles have been a popular topic in Boston, the 2020 postseason provided hope. The 25-year-old was finally starting to look comfortable, which will only continue next season. The Bruins do not need him to be a 30 goal scorer, but they do need him to generate more offense.
Furthermore, over the past several seasons, Kase has been one of the most efficient shot generators in the NHL. Before the trade, he was an analytic darling on a rebuilding team. His one negative trait, however, was staying healthy. He has never appeared in more than 66 games, which was during the 2017-18 season.
When play does resume, Kase's performance will be a crucial part of the Bruins' success. Boston's secondary scoring issues led to a disappointing playoff exit, and the Eastern Conference has improved over the past few months. The Bruins will need Kase to build on his playoff success and stay healthy as they look to make a deep playoff run.
If Kase can do that, then last year's struggles will be a distant memory for the Bruins winger.