News emerged this morning that Czech national Left Winger Dominik Kubalik signs with Swiss club HC Ambri Piotta. Kubalik was part of the return package for Alex DeBrincat, but the Czech won’t return to the Ottawa Senators. After the Senators had a tough 2023-24 season, there were lots of lessons learned. Insider Chris Johnston reported the news Wednesday morning.
Dominik Kubalik has signed with HC Ambrì Piotta in Switzerland — marking a return to the club after five seasons in the NHL.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) September 4, 2024
Left Winger Dominik Kubalik Signs in Europe
The Senators had originally acquired Dominik Kubalik via trade as a bonus addition. Kubalik’s impact on the club is easy to see when they are doing well. When the Senators played well defensively, everyone fulfilled their role, and Kubalik, as a third-liner, was no exception. Moreover, Kubalik’s impact is also seen in his individual performance on the season. He hasn’t played horribly, but he’s underachieved, so you know there were a strong base to work with for the club. Kubalik played in 74 games for the Senators. Late in the season he was a healthy scratch a couple of times. However, rather than look at this as a negative, it allowed him to be an observer, and watch the team play from above. Therefore, it helped him make little adjustments in his games.
For Kuablik’s stats in 2023-24, he notched 11 goals, and added four assists. Furthermore, for an offensive player, he still left lots of room for improvement. His average ice time was only 12:07 and he only had 91 shots on goal. Surprisingly low totals for a former 30-goal scorer in the NHL. He also had time on the second power play, but was unable to generate much rhythm. So, this deal allows him to prove himself as a sniper across the pond. A couple other noteworthy stats include his 52.0 oSZ% and CF% Rel -0.8. Look for him to take the confidence this contract gives him, and use it to improve this offensive efficiency in 2024-25.
What Does This Mean for HC Ambri Piotta
Adding a player like Kubalik is positive for your roster. One difficulty that led to a down year in Ottawa, was not having chemistry with his linemates. If he has a playmaker with him, there is no reason the former 30-goal scorer can’t be a more consistent scorer. Kubalik can be an asset to the depth of your team as it goes on a run. He has an offensive upside, can go on the power play, and is hard on the puck.
Main photo: Per Haljestam-USA TODAY Sports
