Blackhawks Rumors: Kubalik & Strome - No Interest Prior to Departure?

The Blackhawks lost two key players this offseason to two different teams. Dominik Kubalik signed a new contract with the Detroit Red Wings, while Dylan Strome signed with the Washington Capitals. Kubalik spent the last 3 seasons with the Hawks, where he had 62 goals and 54 assists for 116 points through 202 points. Strome spent the last 4 seasons with the Hawks after playing 3 years in Arziona. With Chicago, he played 225 games and had 154 points.

""The Blackhawks would've taken any offer for Dylan Strome or Dominik Kubalik but they weren't offered anything."

- Scott Powers - The Athletic

It's hard to imagine why the Blackhawks weren't able to get any assets in a trade for two guys that had big roles with them, and likely will have new roles with their respective new teams. It's even harder to figure out why there wasn't a single offer that made sense for the Blackhawks in the end. Both players were in the rumor mill for quite some time leading up to their departures, with the Oilers being a key name involved in the Dylan Strome sweepstakes, but obviously, nothing came to fruition.

Strome and Kubalik are both very strong players. Kubalik had an off year but still looked solid overall. I feel like his scoring touch will be found again with the newly stacked Red Wings team. Strome on the other hand will play his role and continue to be a producer just like he was in Chicago. He will likely get some power play time with one of the best, if not the best goal scorer of all time in Alex Ovechkin, and will have his opportunity at a top-six role at 5v5 with their star center Nicklas Backstrom likely out for the entirety of the regular season.