Unqualified Leafs RFA signs with the Hurricanes

The Leafs chose not to send a qualifying offer to oft-injured winger Ondrej Kase by Monday's deadline, making him a UFA today. The reasoning was fear of him being awarded a higher reward in salary arbitration than the Leafs could afford, as well as significant injury concerns. However, during his media availability today, Dubas said the door wasn't closed on Kase returning.

Well, the door is officially closed now as Kase has signed a 1-year deal worth $1.5M with the Carolina Hurricanes. Kase has a history of injuries, specifically concussions, one of which he suffered last season that limited him to just 50 games for the Leafs.

Kase was effective in his time with the Leafs contributing on the scoresheet and being an energy type player, but with the cap crunch the Leafs face and a number of forward prospects looking to make the jump, the Leafs couldn't afford to have him not play.

Kase will join newly acquired Brent Burns and Max Paciorietty in Carolina as it was a busy day for the Canes, who appear to be among the biggest winners in free agency so far.

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