Former Chicago Blackhawks 30-goal scorer leaves the NHL to go play overseas
Dominik Kubalik has surprised the hockey world by announcing that he is leaving the NHL to continue his career in Switzerland.
After five seasons in the NHL, Kubalik will return to Ambri-Piotta, the team he played for before joining the NHL. This news was shared by NHL insider Chris Johnston.
The 29-year-old forward has played for the Ottawa Senators, Chicago Blackhawks, and Detroit Red Wings. He was an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Kubalik, originally from Pizen, Czechia, struggled last season with Ottawa, scoring just 11 goals and adding 4 assists in 74 games, which were his lowest totals since joining the NHL.
He made a big impact in his rookie season with the Blackhawks in 2019-20, scoring 30 goals and 16 assists. Over his NHL career, he has played 357 games, scoring 93 goals and 83 assists.
Kubalik was drafted in the seventh round by the Los Angeles Kings but was traded to the Blackhawks in 2019. He signed with the Red Wings in 2022 and was traded to Ottawa in 2023.
Before joining the NHL, Kubalik had a standout season in Switzerland with Ambri-Piotta in 2018-19, scoring 35 goals and 49 assists. He hopes that returning to Switzerland will help revive his career.
Source:Chris Johnston on X
Source: NHL.comDominik Kubalik Stats
| POLL | ||
4 SEPTEMBRE | 51 ANSWERS Former Chicago Blackhawks 30-goal scorer leaves the NHL to go play overseas Will Dominik Kubalik ever return to the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 8 | 15.7 % |
| No | 43 | 84.3 % |
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