Dominik Kubalik Looks Like a Hidden Gem for Blackhawks

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA - MAY 19: #81 Dominik Kubalik of Czech Republic in action during the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Slovakia group game between Austria and Czech Republic at Ondrej Nepela Arena on May 19, 2019 in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Photo by RvS.Media/Robert Hradil/Getty Images)
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA - MAY 19: #81 Dominik Kubalik of Czech Republic in action during the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Slovakia group game between Austria and Czech Republic at Ondrej Nepela Arena on May 19, 2019 in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Photo by RvS.Media/Robert Hradil/Getty Images)

Czech forward, Dominik Kubalik, has reportedly agreed to terms with the Blackhawks on an NHL contract. The details of this contract are still unknown, but it looks like Stan Bowman found a hidden gem.

Dominik Kubalik was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the 7th round of the 2013 NHL Draft. The Blackhawks acquired him from the Kings during the 2018-19 season.

Sometimes, things have a funny way of working out, as Kubalik played with Blackhawks’ forwards David Kampf and Dominik Kahun in the past.

Kubalik and Kahun played together on the Sudbury Wolves (OHL) from 2012-14, while Kubalik and Kampf teamed up on the Czech Republic U20 national team during the 2014-15 season. The results were impressive and the chemistry was strong.

Dominik Kubalik has a knack for creating prime scoring opportunities for himself and teammates. He also possesses a great shot and isn’t afraid to use it. He has been unleashing that shot quite often lately in an international setting.

Kubalik has had a fantastic 2019 IIHF Men’s World Championship tournament, which has also led to a report claiming the Blackhawks have agreed to terms with him.

Nothing official has been announced yet, but I wouldn’t doubt that an announcement comes after the MWC tournament concludes.

We could be looking at a potential 3rd line in Dominik Kubalik-David Kampf-Dominik Kahun. It seems like a well-balanced line that could do some damage, if everything comes together as it has in the past for these players. I’m sure we will get to see more of this line in training camp and in preseason games.

Dominik Kubalik’s Breakout

Dominik Kubalik is having a breakout 2018-19 season. He led the National League (NLA), which is the top tier of hockey in Switzerland, in scoring with 57 points (25G, 32A) and a 5 +/- in 50 games.

Kubalik is also currently tied for 8th in scoring at the 2019 IIHF Men’s World Championship tournament with 10 points (4G, 6A) and a 9 +/- in 7 games.

https://www.twitter.com/Blackhawk_Up/status/1130965786703609857

Final Thoughts

The emergence of 23-year-old Dominik Kubalik certainly gives Blackhawks fans something to look forward to in 2019-20. Similar to Dominik Kahun last season, I believe Kubalik will start the season on the NHL roster.

It will be interesting to see how the rest of the offseason plays out, but things are certainly looking up for the Blackhawks. This is another step towards a brighter future.