Former Red Wings Player Ready to Give up on NHL Dream

When he was signing with Ambri-Piotta of the Swiss National League last summer, former Detroit Red Wings forward Dominik Kubalik was including in the pact an out clause. It gave him until Dec. 15 to find an NHL team interested in his services.

As that Sunday deadline approaches, Kubalik’s phone isn’t exactly blowing up with offers from this side of the Atlantic Ocean.

“There hasn’t been much yet,” Kubalik was admitting to Czech website iSport Blesk. He was getting on the scoresheet Thursday as Czechia beat Finland 3-1 in the Swiss Games.

Fan favorite alert! 🚨 The player of the weekend is here! Dominik Kubalik takes the spotlight! 🌟#nationalleague #playeroftheweekend #HCAP

📸 Andrea Branca pic.twitter.com/LkYJeAHpCs

— National League (@NLch_official) December 10, 2024

“People ask me about it, but I don’t think about it too much. It’s not like I’m fixated on it or constantly on the phone.”

Kubalik is showing 12 goals and 10 assists through 28 games for Ambri-Piotta. He’s leading the team in goals and points.

Kubalik was a 20-goal scorer for the Red Wings in 2022-23.

Red Wings Pick Cut By Russians

When the final roster was named for the Russian team playing in the Channel One Cup, it did not include Red Wings prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov. The player chosen 52nd overall by Detroit in the 2022 NHL entry draft was among those cut from the squad.

Playing for Vityaz, Buchelnikov is currently tied for sixth in KHL scoring. He’s showing 8-22-30 totals from 33 games. He was earning selection to play in the upcoming KHL All-Star Game.

Tight race 🤏 pic.twitter.com/1amS2CvE8N

— KHL (@khl_eng) December 11, 2024

Russia beat the KHL Legionnaires, a team comprised of KHL import players, by a 4-1 count in the tournament opener. Former Red Wings defenseman Libor Sulak scored for the Legionnaires. Former Grand Rapids Griffins goalie Patrik Rybar is also playing for the Legionnaires.

In other KHL news, former Red Wings forward Brendan Perlini is joining Spartak. Perlini played 39 games for the Red Wings in 2019-20 collecting 1-3-4 totals.

Baker Helping Again

Red Wings prospect Austin Baker (203rd, 2024 NHL draft) was contributing an assist as the USA was whipping Canada West 9-0 at the World Junior A Challenge in Camrose, Alberta on Thursday.

The USA is 2-1 so far in the tournament. Left-winger Baker has accounted for three assists in three games.