Chicago Blackhawks: Dominik Kubalik Contract Extension Great For Both Sides

Everyone figured Dominik Kubalik would get a contract extension, but as the weeks went on, fans began to doubt whether or not the Chicago Blackhawks would get him under contract. Fear no more.

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have extended Dominik Kubalik on a two-year contract extension worth 3.7 million a year. Obviously, the Blackhawks are happy with Kubalik’s rookie season, where he put up 30 goals, but that did not mean the team wanted to commit long term.

Chicago now has Kubalik on a bridge contract for the next two years. This will allow him to prove whether he is really worth the big bucks his rookie season showed. We have seen players like Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Strome drop off a little after great years, which will motivate Kubalik to play the best hockey he can.

This contract is great for both parties. Not only does it give the Blackhawks breathing room to go out and re-sign Strome and maybe add another face to the team, but it also allows Kubalik to make even more money down the line.

At most, Kubalik could have asked for four or five million for three or four years. This contract now allows him to ask for even more money if he does well. He is betting on himself. Similar to Artemi Panarin when he signed a bridge deal with the Blackhawks in 2017. However, we all know how that ended with Panarin getting traded away. Kubalik is coming off a record-breaking year, getting nominated for the Calder, and recording five points in his playoff debut.

Chicago now has their Calder trophy candidate under contract for next year. Kubalik is a productive 30 goal scorer, and I can not wait to see what he can do with a full season in the top six with the Blackhawks.

Kubalik makes the Blackhawks a better team. He can help score goals at even strength, but more importantly, on the power play. Imagine a Blackhawks power play with two snipers like Dominik Kubalik and Alex DeBrincat at their best. This next season might be a fun ride for the Blackhawks youngsters.

We have been talking about this contract extension for a long time now, and it is finally done! It looks as though Stan Bowman got this contract right. Now the only question mark around Dominik Kubalik is who his linemates will be next year.