I think it was worth the gamble. The deal was universally lauded at the time. Considering the cost to move contracts, it basically looked like you traded Andersson for Kase, which is an easy deal to make. If there's anything unfortunate about it, it's the fact that, up to this point, they haven't really taken advantage of the cap savings they got from Backes.
Kase has been a victim of poor luck, some of it is his own doing. He missed the playoff training camp because he got COVID. I thought he looked solid in the Carolina series, and then his whole line was a no-show against Tampa. The lack of goals is tough. This is a guy who was an 11.5% shooter through 150 games. Then he injures his shoulder, and he's been 4.8% since, not including playoffs. It takes players a while to recuperate from shoulder surgery, and some never get the same strength. He gets a concussion this year on a nothing play 4 periods into the season. It's really just unfortunate, both for the Bruins and Kase's career. I really hope that he's able to turn it around and get back to the player he was the first few years in the league, whether it's here or somewhere else.