Boston Bruins
BREAKING: Bruins Acquire Ondrej Kase
Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney has made his first trade of the deadline season. According to multiple reports, the Bruins have acquired forward Ondrej Kase from the Anaheim Ducks. In exchange, the Bruins will send veteran forward David Backes, a first-round pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft and prospect Axel Andersson.
The Bruins will retain 25% of Backes’ salary.
The Bruins interest in Kase dates back months. The team’s interest was first reported by Boston Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy. Murphy reported on January 28th that the Bruins were honing in on the Anaheim sniper. They got their man this afternoon. The initial report can be read here.
Kase scored a career-high 20 goals during the 2017-18 season, but hasn’t reached those heights since. In 49 games with the Ducks this season, the Czech forward has 23 points (7 g, 16 a) and is a -7. Per hockey-reference, Kase has a 53.1% Corsi For while averaging 16:47 per game in ice time. Kase also has posted a Fenwick For of 51.4%. Both are positive relative to his teammates. His +3.8% CF% is one of the best on the Ducks.
Backes, who signed with the Bruins on July 1st, 2016, has been on the trade block dating back to the summer. That too was first reported by Boston Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy. Backes played in 16 games this season with the Bruins, registering three points (1 g, 2 a) before being placed on waivers. Backes cleared waivers prior to the All-Star break, but never reported to AHL Providence.
Andersson, 20, was the club’s second-round pick in 2018. This season with the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL, Andersson has 22 points (2 g, 20 a) in 41 games played. It is his first season in North America. He played for Sodertalje SK in Sweden a season ago. The right shot defenseman checks in a 6-feet and 185 pounds.
Stay tuned to Boston Hockey Now as more information and news comes available.