Dominik Kubalik – who finished third in Calder Memorial Trophy voting just three years ago – signed a two-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings today. The Chicago Blackhawks did not send him a qualifying offer earlier this week making Kubalik an unrestricted free agent. The Red Wings will pay Kubalik $5 million, or $2.5 million AAV.
UPDATE: The #RedWings today signed left wing Dominik Kubalik to a 2-year contract. pic.twitter.com/hvFUpe7nAt
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 13, 2022
Dominik Kubalik Traded
Kubalik launched into his NHL career with a bang, scoring 30 goals and 46 points in just 68 games during the 2019-20 season. He finished third in Calder voting behind game-changing defencemen Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes, though he hasn’t kept their pace. Last season his numbers slipped to 17 goals and 38 points in a truncated year of 56 games. Not too bad, and the drop can be accounted for in the so-called “Sophomore Slump” – just normal statistical correction.
This past season, though, has been a hard one. Kubalik scored just 15 times in 78 games. If it wasn’t for his power-play time, there would be little to sell here. On the plus side, his power-play ability is worth using. He’s moved up and down the lineup in Chicago as the team searched for a mix that works, so his versatility is also a feature.
What This Means
His new team is obviously hoping for a return to his rookie season as the year plays out. Kubalik is too as he was not tendered a qualifying offer at $4 million. As such he is forced to take a pay cut with the Red Wings. However, if he picks up his game and/or gets a greater opportunity, he could still earn a bigger contract when he is a UFA in two years time.
And maybe the playoffs bring out his game. In his one run, he scored four times in nine games. Of course, Kubalik will have to be part of taking the Wings back to the playoffs. Dominik Kubalik is, in short, a roll of the dice. He’s not getting back to 19% shooting of his rookie year, but maybe he’ll get higher than last season’s 9.3%.
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 16: Chicago Blackhawks left-wing Dominik Kubalik (8) and right-wing Kirby Dach (77) celebrate a Chicago goal during the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks, held on November 16, 2019, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
