Fan Reactions To Kase Being Traded

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

Yesterday the Anaheim Ducks traded Ondrej Kase to the Boston Bruins for David Backes, prospect Axel Andersson and 2020 1st Round Pick. The 2020 1st Round Pick could be between the 27th and 31st overall pick depending on how Boston finishes this season. Boston also retained 25% of Backes’ salary.

Since Boston is paying 25% of Backes’ $6 million, Anaheim will have an overall increased cap hit of about $1.9 million if he plays in the NHL. Anaheim would be paying $4.5 million of Backes’ salary but freed up $2.6 million by trading Kase. The $4.5 million cap hit could decrease to about $3.4 million if Backes plays in San Diego per Cap Friendly.

For more on the trade visit: Analyzing The Kase Trade

The immediate reaction ranged from people upset that Kase was traded to relief that Ducks General Manager Bob Murray finally shifted the rebuild into a higher gear.

Below is a summary of fan reactions once the trade was announced. It may not be exactly what you feel, but it’s a collection of reactions by fellow Ducks fans.

If you liked the trade:

Those that agreed with the trade felt it was time for Kase to go because of his injuries, which led to his inconsistent play. Since the Ducks received a first-round pick and a prospect with some upside people thought the return was decent. Even with taking on Backes’ contract, the fact Boston is retaining 25% of it helps make the deal more tolerable. Lastly, some liked this deal because it signaled that Murray is finally serious about making this a rebuild and not a soft retooling.

If you disliked the trade:

Those that disagreed with the trade still had an emotional attachment to Kase, who was fan favorite and/or still believed that Kase should have been given more time. The Ducks get did a first-round pick, but it’s at the bottom of the opening round. Others didn’t like this trade because of the mixed reviews that Axel Andersson has gotten and it’s unknown if he can be a full-time NHLer. Backes has also underperformed and had his own injury concerns, which doesn’t sit well with some even though he is only under contract through next season. Lastly, some don’t like the cap numbers involved in this deal regardless of whether Backes play in the NHL or AHL.

Fan Polls:

We posted up two fan polls, one on Twitter and one on Facebook.

The Facebook poll showed that 78% of those that voted thought this was a good deal, while 22% thought it wasn’t.

The Twitter poll showed that 41% of those that voted thought this was a good deal and 15% thought it was a bad deal. Lastly, 44% felt time will tell if this was a good trade or not.

Note: Twitter allows you to have more than two voting options, Facebook only allows two choices.

Necessary Trade?

This wasn’t a great trade or a terrible trade according to each team, but it was one both felt they needed to make. Boston got what they wanted by dumping Backes’ contract and they added some offense to their lineup. Anaheim was able to get younger by picking up a prospect and getting a first-round pick by giving up a player that isn’t part of their core moving forward according to Murray.

The Boston Bruins did place Kase on the IR shortly after the trade was made. The Ducks said Kase had “flu-like” symptoms when he wasn’t able to play against Buffalo, but never gave an update afterward. When local media outlets, like the Orange County Register, talked to Kase this past Thursday, he wouldn’t give any specific details as to why he was out so long. Regardless of why Kase has been out, it’s Boston’s concern now.

Lastly, whether you like or don’t like this trade, let’s all wish Kase well in Boston.

For more on this trade listen to our hockey podcast by clicking below or visit us at Podomatic, Spreaker, or YouTube.

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February 22nd, 2020