Former 30-goal scorer for the Chicago Blackhawks unexpectedly leaves the NHL
Dominik Kubalik has shocked the hockey world with his announcement that he is leaving the NHL and heading overseas to continue his career.
After five seasons in the NHL, Dominik Kubalik will return to Ambri-Piotta, his old team in Switzerland, which was announced by NHL insider Chris Johnston on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old forward, who has also played for the Ottawa Senators, Chicago Blackhawks, and Detroit Red Wings, was an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Originally from Pizen, Czechia, Dominik Kubalik had a tough run last season in Ottawa where he was only able to score 11 goals and get 4 assists in 74 games, which were his fewest numbers since he arrived in the NHL.
Dominik Kubalik burst onto the NHL scene in his rookie year in 2019-20, putting up 30 goals, 16 assists, and 46 points in 68 games with the Blackhawks. He has played in 357 career games and has totaled 93 goals and 83 assists.
Dominik Kubalik was picked in the seventh round, 191st overall, by the Los Angeles Kings and traded to the Blackhawks in 2019. He signed as a free agent with the Detroit Red Wings in 2022 and was moved in 2023 to Ottawa in the deal for Alex DeBrincat.
Dominik Kubalik had two seasons of experience in Switzerland prior to joining the NHL, including a fantastic 2018-19 season with Ambri-Piotta where he scored 35 goals and 49 assists in 75 games. Now he is set to return to more familiar ice in Switzerland, which will hopefully rejuvenate his career once more.
Source:
Chris Johnston on X
Source: NHL.com
Dominik Kubalik Stats
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 4 | 170 ANSWERS Former 30-goal scorer for the Chicago Blackhawks unexpectedly leaves the NHL Will Dominik Kubalik ever return to the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 23 | 13.5 % |
| No | 147 | 86.5 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
| G | A | PTS | ||
| Zachary Werenski | 2 | 3 | 5 | |
| Sean Monahan | 1 | 3 | 4 | |
| Jesper Bratt | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
| Frederick Gaudreau | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
| Jack Hughes | - | 3 | 3 | |
| Nikita Kucherov | - | 3 | 3 | |
| Mackenzie Weegar | - | 3 | 3 | |
| Kent Johnson | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Alexander Wennberg | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Mitchell Chaffee | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Anthony Cirelli | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Matthew Coronato | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Marcus Foligno | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Nick Foligno | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Conor Geekie | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Brandon Hagel | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Stefan Noesen | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Corey Perry | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Igor Sharangovich | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Dmitry Voronkov | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Complete stats | ||||
| STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Jets | 19 | 16 | 3 | - | 32 | |
Wild | 19 | 13 | 3 | 3 | 29 | |
Hurricanes | 19 | 14 | 5 | - | 28 | |
Devils | 22 | 13 | 7 | 2 | 28 | |
Capitals | 19 | 13 | 5 | 1 | 27 | |
Golden Knights | 20 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 26 | |
Maple Leafs | 20 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 26 | |
Rangers | 18 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 25 | |
Panthers | 20 | 12 | 7 | 1 | 25 | |
Flames | 20 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 25 | |
| Conference | Cumulative | ||||||