Former 20-Goal Scorer Wants Back Into NHL After 2 Years Away

After a seven-year NHL career that was riddled by multiple concussions, former 20-goal scorer Ondrej Kase is ready to try his hand in the National Hockey League once again, after two seasons away.

His performance at the World Hockey Championships this month for Czechia as a first-liner has demonstrated, beyond a doubt, that he's ready for another shot at the big time.

As someone who is watching & working at the World Championships, Ondrej Kase is definitely an NHL player. Very smart, skilled & modern two-way 3rd line right winger. pic.twitter.com/aKSancPAYF
— Andy & Rono (@ARHockeyStats) May 21, 2024

Happy for Ondrej Kasepic.twitter.com/VHPpghOcyU https://t.co/ZVcvKiJ6J9
— Rink Rat Report (@RinkRatReport) May 17, 2024

Kase has two goals and five points in seven games at the Worlds. And as reported by Chris Johnson of The Athletic, "Kaše hasn’t looked remotely out of place in a tournament populated by NHLers and those from European-based pro leagues with more profile than the Czech Extraliga."

He also proved himself healthy and productive all this season in Czechia, finishing third in Extraliga scoring with 54 points in 48 games. “I wasn’t sure how healthy I am and all season was actually great,” he told Chris Johnson of The Athletic. “I felt unbelievable. All injuries were done".

The 28-year-old last played in the NHL in 2022, lasting just 11 minutes in the season opener for the Carolina Hurricanes before suffering another concussion. 2021-22 was his last productive season in the league, with the Toronto Maple Leafs, playing 50 games in a bottom-six role, and supplying 14 goals.

He lit the lamp 20 times for the Anaheim Ducks in his second NHL season in 2017-18.