The Anaheim Ducks have agreed to a new three-year deal with right-winger Ondrej Kase worth $7.8 million.
With a newly minted signature on paper, the Anaheim Ducks have officially invested in their future by awarding Ondrej Kase – their 22-year old, Czech-born right wing – with a three-year extension totalling $7.8 million.
As provided by CapFriendly.com, the deal will come with an annual average salary of $2.6 million per, with the equivalent yearly cap hit for the club. Kase went from being a seventh-round draft pick to becoming a millionaire. This came after he put together what looks like a breakout season. Not a bad reward for making a quick impression.
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With the young Kase chalking up a 20-goal effort last season, in addition to 18 helpers for 38 total points, and a plus-18 +/- rating in 66 games played with the big club, it looks like a no-brainer signing for the Ducks.
Ondrej vastly improved from his initial season with the Ducks in the 2016-2017 campaign, which saw him tally only 5 goals, 10 apples, for 15 points total, along with a plus-minus rating of -1 in 53 games.
After finishing tied for 19th overall in scoring last year with the Dallas Stars, the team from Anaheim could certainly benefit from keeping those 20-plus goals on the books. That is, if Ondrej continues to trend in the right direction.
Ondrej Kase has a new three-year deal with the Ducks https://t.co/b0UdVesglp
— SI NHL (@SI_NHL) August 15, 2018
Any help for the usually consistent Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry – who are both coming off of “down” years number-wise from their previous season – would be a welcome addition to head coach Randy Carlyle‘s tool belt.
Ducks veteran General Manager and Executive Vice President, Bob Murray, seemed pleased with the re-signing of Kase.
"“Ondrej is a skilled player that has a bright future in this league…He can skate and score, and will continue to improve as a player as he gains more experience.”"
As the Ducks lineup currently stands, Kase more than likely plays the right side of the third line. He’ll probably be tagged with the still pending RFA Nick Ritchie on the left.
The fun part comes with the center position, as there’s a real possible game of musical chairs down the middle. Carter Rowney, Brian Gibbons, Troy Terry, and Kalle Kossila will all be fighting for playing time as Ryan Kesler continues to deal with his ailing hip issues.
Training camp will certainly be interesting for Randy Carlyle and company.Do not be surprised if you see Anaheim active in the trade market early in the season if their Center situation doesn’t work itself out.