Second City Hockey’s 2019-20 preseason Blackhawks Top 25 Under 25 series ranks the organization’s top 25 players under the age of 25 by Oct. 1, 2019. The rankings are determined by a composite score from six SCH writers and more than 70 readers. Each participant used their own metric of current ability and production against future projection to rank each player. The six SCH writers will make their ballots public after the series is completed.
As Scott Powers of The Athletic noted in this June article ranking Blackhawks prospects prior to the draft, Kubalik’s season in Switzerland shouldn’t go ignored. The only other four players under the age of 24 to produce points at the rate Kubalik did are John Tavares, Tyler Seguin, Auston Mathews and Damien Brunner. He was the league’s leading scorer last season and is now looking to bring that production to the NHL level.
Kubalik was originally a seventh-round selection of the Los Angeles Kings in 2013 but never signed with that organization. When it became clear Kubalik wasn’t signing, the Blackhawks traded for his rights in January before Kubalik could hit unrestricted free agency.
Kubalik joined the Czech Republic men’s national team for the World Championship after his season and thrived. His 12 points in 10 games ranked third on the team to Philadelphia’s Jakub Voracek (16 points) and Calgary’s Michael Frolik (14 points). Kubalik’s six goals were one shy of Frolik’s team-high total. After the tournament wrapped up for Kubalik, he officially signed a one-year deal with Chicago in late May.
What’s next?
Just a few months after acquiring the rights to Kubalik, Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said they expect Kubalik to stick at the NHL level for the 2019-20 season. With Dominik Kahun traded to Pittsburgh, a spot in Chicago’s top nine remains available, and Kubalik appears to be one of the front-runners to claim that role. Even those outside the Blackhawks organization have raved about Kubalik’s hands, skating and play-making ability: TSN analyst Ray Ferraro did just that to The Athletic after watching Kubalik in the World Championships.
Kubalik does have a European assignment clause like Kahun did, which gives him the option to return to Switzerland if the Blackhawks don’t keep him on their roster. Kubalik reportedly would accept an assignment to the AHL, if he doesn’t make the NHL roster. Either way, he’ll be one of the more intriguing players to watch come September.
Is Dominik Kubalik ranked too low, just right or too high?
| Low | 173 |
| Just right | 144 |
| High | 24 |