Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ondrej Kase will return to the lineup for Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night, head coach Sheldon Keefe said, marking his first game action since he suffered a concussion on March 19.
The Maple Leafs have taken a cautious approach with Kase, who has an extensive history of head injuries during his hockey career, this season, knowing his prior experiences with head trauma and wrecking-ball playstyle could put him at risk.
In the games he has played, though, Kase has been among Toronto's most effective and versatile two-way forwards. Across 50 games played, he collected 14 goals and 27 points.
The Maple Leafs are 31-19 with Kase — Toronto's 2022 Bill Masterton Trophy nominee — in the lineup.
While Kase will be returning, Michael Bunting will not. The rookie winger missed the final three games of the season with an undisclosed injury and is expected the play at some point during the series.
Game 1 of the Maple Leafs' first-round series against the Lightning takes place tonight, and can be seen live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet NOW, with coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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