Three hours into free agency, Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman pulled the trigger on his fourth signing by adding left winger Dominik Kubalik from Chicago. Rumors have the Red Wings signing Kubalik to a two-year contract with an annual cap hit of $2.5M that will expire after the 2023-2024 season.
Kubalik was originally drafted in the 7th round, 191st overall, by Los Angeles in the 2013 draft. A native of Plzen, Czechia, Kubalik recently finished his third season in the NHL, all with Chicago.
Last season was a disappointing one for Kubalik. He had a cap hit of $3.7M and was not offered an extension with the Blackhawks. Last season, Kubalik played most of the time on the second line with Chicago captain Jonathan Toews. In 78 games, he scored 15 goals, 17 assists, 32 points, and had a -16 rating.
Kubalik’s best season was his rookie year in 2019-2020 when he scored 30 goals, 16 assists, 46 points, and had a +2 rating in only 68 games. Kubalik picked up eight points in nine playoff games during the playoffs that year.
In 202 regular season games, Kubalik scored 62 goals, 54 assists, 116 points, and a -17 rating.
With Detroit, Kubalik will likely play on the third line and should get plenty of opportunities playing with the man advantage. Kubalik scored 11 goals and 31 points on the power play for his career.
Kubalik fits in with the Yzerplan of adding skilled players under 30. Kubalik will turn 27 before training camp and will have a lot to prove to the Detroit management and the fans who expect a much-improved product on the ice next year.
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