The National Hockey League career could be over for former Detroit Red Wings forward Dominik Kubalik.
He was unable to find an NHL team interested enough in his services to be signed to a deal by the December 15 deadline, and he'll have to carry on playing overseas.
Kubalik's contract with Swiss club HC Ambr�-Piotta included an opt-out clause that would allow him to sign with any NHL club by December 15 and return to North America; unfortunately, no team came calling for him.
Recently, Kubalik played off any anxiety he may have been feeling, saying that another shot at an NHL contract wasn't something that was constantly pre-occupying his mind.
Kubalik was originally signed by the Red Wings to a 2-year contract in July of 2022 after completing his rookie contract with his former team, the Chicago Blackhawks.
He meshed well in what would be his 1st and only year with the Red Wings, scoring 20 goals.
But he was trade to the Ottawa Senators a year after signing with Detroit as part of a package to acquire the Michigan-born Alex DeBrincat.
Kubalik only scored 9 goals in his 1st and only seasons with the Senators; ironically, one of them came against the Red Wings in a December 2023 game at Little Caesars Arena.
He also scored his 1st career hat trick against the Red Wings while with the Blackhawks in 2021.
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DECEMBRE 19 | 68 ANSWERS Terrible new for former Detroit Red Wings 20-goal scoring forward Should the Detroit Red Wings have shown interest in a 2nd go-around with Dominik Kubalik? | ||