The Blackhawks announced a minor trade, this afternoon, with the Los Angeles Kings. They acquired forward prospect Dominik Kubalík (koo-bah-LEEK) in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick in the 2019 previously acquired from the Arizona Coyotes in the Hossa/Hinostroza/Oesterle deal.
Kubalík is a 23-year-old former 7th round Kings draft pick (191st overall) in the 2013 NHL draft. The same draft that the Blackhawks drafted Anthony Louis ten picks earlier (181st overall) and Robin Press later in the seventh round (211th overall).
The 6’2″ 180 lbs left wing has been playing for HC Ambrì-Piotta of the Swiss National League. Coming into Thursday evening, he is leading the league in scoring with 43 points (18G-25A). The native of Plzen, Czech Republic, represented his country at the 2018 Olympic Games and World Championships as well as the 2015 World Junior Championship.
He is currently under contract with his Swiss team and cannot sign a contract with the Blackhawks until his deal with HC Ambrì-Piotta has expired. The Kings tried to pry Kubalík out of Europe in 2017 but, without player compensation, Ambrì-Piotta blocked the deal from happening.
Kubalik 2017-18 Season Highlights from HC-Ambri Piotta https://t.co/tb35J5ri2z#Blackhawks #NHL
— Mario Tirabassi (@Mario_Tirabassi) January 24, 2019