The Czech Republic could have two members of the Toronto Maple Leafs on their Olympic roster if both players can stay healthy. Those players are goaltender Petr Mrazek and forward Ondrej Kase.
Injuries have been a big issue for both of these players. Kase missed most of last season with concussion issues. Mrazek is currently out of the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup with a groin injury.
Toronto general manager Kyle Dubas might be the only person standing in the way of Mrazek playing in Beijing. Due to his injury problems this season, Dubas might not let Mrazek play for the Czech Republic. Dubas will not want to risk Mrazek injuring his groin while playing in the Olympics.
Kase hasn’t really had the opportunity this season to put up too many points, but he has been playing a very effective defensive role. His style of play could help to make the Czech team hard to play against.
He has the potential to be an offensive threat if put on the right line with the right players, so it will be interesting to see how he gets used by the Czech Republic.
Playing for his country in the Winter Olympics could even give Kase a spark that will transition into his play with the Maple Leafs. It could be a big benefit for him and the team in the second half of the season.