NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs Moving On From Depth Forward

While the Toronto Maple Leafs decided not to qualify Ondrej Kase, from all accounts it sounds like the team likely won't have any interest in re-signing the oft-injured forward when free agency opens on Wednesday.

Kase was brought in to play alongside his childhood best friend David Kampf, and while there were flashes of brilliance at times, his health was his biggest weakness. Kase only appeared in 50 games for the Maple Leafs, recording 14 goals and 27 points. In seven Stanley Cup Playoff games, he was held without a goal and ended the first-round series with three assists.

Hearing #Leafs will not be issuing a qualifying offer to Ondrej Kase, making him a UFA.

I’d expect Pierre Engvall will be qualified, but not 100% confirmed yet.

Not expecting many other surprises. #Canes plan to qualify Ethan Bear.@DailyFaceoff

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 11, 2022

Kase is a work horse and someone who gets by on hard work and his hockey sense. He's shown throughout his career, the 26-year-old can score, but unfortunately he cannot stay healthy. Last season he signed a one-year deal in Toronto for $1.25 million, and this summer there's going to be some interest, however it's likely he'll have to wait for the dust to settle on some of the big names before teams commit to him for next season.

Toronto is focused on a back up goaltender, along with locking up Rasmus Sandin and Pierre Engvall. If there's a little bit of cap room in a few weeks, perhaps they circle back, but for now, Kase is on to discuss a job with other teams.

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