Nobody knew what to expect from forward David Kase in just his first season for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. While previously playing for Mora IK in the SHL, David appeared to have the same skill set as his brother Ondrej Kase who currently plays for the Anaheim Ducks in the NHL. Through his first four games of Professional hockey in North America, David Kase flashed his skills by potting two goals and two assists. He was as speedy as they come, and Kase knows when to turn on the jets.
Kase has played on the top line at times, has played on the top powerplay unit, and it’s paid off in a tremendous way for him and the Phantoms. Asides from his nagging injuries, this young man possesses the skills needed to succeed in the NHL. He’s a speed machine, and Kase also possesses a nasty wrist shot to go along with his good hockey IQ. Simply put, don’t overlook this prospect when training camp begins next Fall for the Flyers.
“What I like most about Kase is his offense potential,” the prospect Guru for Phillysportsnetwork.com John Gove exclaims, “There’s a lot of work still to be done but his skill, vision, and overall intelligence of the game are great building blocks. His speed can provide a boost to a line including more proven players. He may find himself placed on a line with players of greater caliber simply because he adds a missing piece to the unit.”
This young man in Kase was born on January 28, 1997, in Kadan, Czech Republic. He was drafted by the Flyers in the 5th round of the 2015 NHL Draft. Kase stated to me in a prior interview that he when he was younger he used to watch his idol Pavel Datsyuk play on a daily basis for the Detroit Red Wings. Well, if he continues to play the game the right way, then Kase will have a very successful NHL career.
It appears Kase has gotten faster while playing for the Phantoms. I don’t recall him with this level of speed while playing for Mora IK last season. After watching him in person last Wednesday night against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, he was flying all over the ice. Kase looked calm, cool, and composed, which is great for maturity. For the season, Kase has registered five goals, and 12 assists in 28 games played. He has been in and out of the lineup this season at times mainly due to injuries.
While standing at 5’11,” some people have said Kase would have a tough time in the NHL, mainly due to his size and height. However, Danny Briere had a great career, while standing at 5’9” tall. Anything is possible and with his wheels and skill, Kase could become very successful in the NHL. His vision of the ice is off the charts, and just his overall hockey IQ is stronger than most prospects his age, “He’s a guy that can create offense, and that’s what we definitely need,” Head Coach Kerry Huffman stated after a 4-1 loss last Wednesday night.
Huffman continued, “He played on the Top PP Unit earlier in the year before he got hurt. He’s very effective there. He’s an intelligent hockey player. He’s played well since he has come back, and he generates offense when he’s out there.”
This is some great praise coming from his coach. Kase may not receive a call-up this season, but he definitely has a future in the NHL. After being fortunate to watch him play from the press area last week, I personally believe he has moved past Nicolas Aube-Kubel on the Flyers depth chart in terms of prospects. Kase appears to have all the tools necessary to have a successful NHL career, much like his brother Ondrej.
Mandatory Credit: Alex McIntyre
