Ondrej Kase: A Breakout Star in the Making

Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesIn 2014, the Anaheim Ducks, long past their hyped 1st round draft selection of Nick Ritchie at 10th overall, took a relatively unknown winger from the Czech Republic in the 7th round at 205th overall.

It’s not like he was a complete unknown; he was promoted by scouts who focused on European leagues, and some rankings had him pegged as the second best European skater in the 2014 draft.

Many experts expected Kase to go in the middle rounds, anywhere from 4th to 6th. His speed, creativity, and tenacity along with dominating play at the junior levels of the Czech circuit hinted at a potentially exciting NHL player. But a combination of size…