Anaheim Ducks: What contract numbers does Ondrej Kase deserve?

Diamond in the Rough

The 2014 NHL Draft looks to be a great one for the Ducks. Second-round pick  Brandon Montour, as mentioned above, earned a two-year bridge deal. He has become one of the main four of the Ducks D core this season. Co-second-round selection, Marcus Pettersson looks to finally break through and be a shot of youth to the Ducks bottom pair.

The jury is still out on Nick Ritchie, especially since he is a former first-round (10th overall) selection, likely be on the ice for the Ducks opening night. Seventh round selection Ondrej Kase could be one of the team’s most important offensive weapons.

When a player is taken at the end of the draft, 205th overall its a coin flip to see what he will become. But the Ducks may have found an absolute gem. Kase has now played one-and-a-half full seasons for Anaheim totaling 119 games.

In that time, he has compiled a 25-28-53 stat line, including 20 goals last year. To further illustrate how good Kase is, he has just six points less than first-round selection Ritchie in six fewer games played to open their careers. Give Kase another 67 games and he skyrockets past Ritchie.

Kase has dangerous speed, incredible hands, a quick release, and generated quite the chemistry with pivot Adam Henrique. He missed some time due to injury last season and could have easily potted 25 goals if he had played the full 82 game season. This year I think he is capable of being a 30 goal scorer, and he is only 22 years old. Fans looking for Corey Perry’s goal replacement may have it in Kase but what will it take for the Ducks to retain the speedy Czech forward?