The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to terms with forward Dominik Kubalik, according to Igor Eronko of Sport-Express. The Blackhawks acquired the Czech prospect last season via trade from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a 2019 fifth-round draft pick. The deal is expected to become official following the World Championships, where Kubalik is representing the Czech Republic.
The 23-year-old Kubalik played this past season for HC Ambri-Piotta in Switzerland’s National League, where he recorded 57 points (25G, 32A) and was the league’s leading scorer. The National League is considered to be Switzerland’s top league, and Kubalik has averaged over a point-per-game in his two seasons with HC Ambri-Piotta. Stan Bowman and the front office love European prospects, and Dominik Kubalik has already played with a couple of current European Blackhawks. He played on the Sudbury Wolves with Dominik Kahun for two years in the OHL, and he’s also played with David Kampf on numerous occasions for the Czech Republic. Stan Bowman likely recognized the chemistry between these players in the past and wants Kubalik to be apart of the Blackhawks top-nine forwards next season.
Dominik Kubalik is off to a fantastic start at the IIHF Men’s World Championships, where he has nine points (3G, 6A) in just six games. He has the third-most points for the Czech Republic and is a big reason why they are off to a 5-1 start. After strong play the last two seasons in Switzerland’s National League and a solid start to the Men’s World Championships, it seems likely that Dominik Kubalik will be on the Blackhawks opening night roster.
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