It’s not a trade that’s going to move the needle on the Kings season, but yesterday, Rob Blake sent the rights to Dominik Kubalik to the Chicago Blackhawks, in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft.
Kubalik was drafted by the Kings in the seventh round in 2013 but was not signed and left to return to Europe after two years in the OHL. He’s developed more of a scoring touch in Europe and currently leads the Swiss National League in points. While the Kings still regarded him as a prospect and retained his rights, reports indicate that he never showed any intent to sign with the Kings and come to North America. Perhaps the Blackhawks will have more luck bringing him over.
Re: Kubalik, saw him high on the Kings’ organizational board last year but did not ever hear of his intent to commit to signing and playing for them. Somewhat related: they’re making a push to sign Prokhorkin.
— Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) January 25, 2019
For the Kings, it’s a trade of a long-shot prospect for a draft pick that may become a slightly less long-shot prospect (or get packaged in for another trade). For the Blackhawks, they’re taking a chance on someone who could pan out as a depth player, or who could stay in Europe.
No word on why Kubalik didn’t appear to want to come to Los Angeles, but given that the current temperature in Chicago feels like -12° with windchill and moisture from my breath froze on my scarf while I was waiting for the train this morning, I’m going to give this one a big old question mark.
Kings Things
News on the trade from the other side of the ice. [Second City Hockey]
And news from the Kings. [Los Angeles Kings]
Luc Robitaille understands that this season hasn’t gone as planned. So what’s the next move? [Los Angeles Times]
Should the Kings trade Alec Martinez? [The Athletic]
An assortment of Kings questions, answered by Jon Rosen. [Kings Insider]
In case you missed it, a look at possible future Kings head coaches not named Willie Desjardins. [Jewels from the Crown]
Elsewhere
Anne-Sophie Bettez opens up about finally making the Team Canada roster. [Eyes on the Prize]
Some suggestions on how to make the NHL All-Star Game more exciting. [ESPN]
The AHL All-Star Classic takes places on Sunday and Monday and will air on the NHL Network, Sportsnet ONE, Sportsnet NOW, and for free on the AHL’s streaming service. [AHL]
The Oilers have more problems than just their NHL team. [EP Rinkside]
The Oilers keep taking about character, but what about talent? [The Copper & Blue]
The Belleville Senators honor some hockey history this weekend. [Quinte Hockey Headquarters]
Chicago Blackhawks goalie Collin Delia is a man of many talents including … leather crafting? [Chicago Tribune]
Dressing room speeches aren’t like the movies anymore. [The Athletic]
A reflection on Carey Price’s first win. [Eyes on the Prize]
Evening Entertainment
The All-Star Skills competition, clearly. It airs at 6:00 pm Pacific on NBCSN. Come watch Drew Doughty fail at some more passing exercises or something.