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One former player Red Wings fans must keep an eye on early in 2024-25

The Detroit Red Wings should contend in 2024-25, but if injuries threaten to derail them, there is one player who could act as viable insurance.

By Todd Matthews |
Apr 13, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Michael Eyssimont (23) is congratulated by center Ross Colton (79) after he scored a goal as Detroit Red Wings left wing Dominik Kubalik (81) looks on during the third period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
Apr 13, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Michael Eyssimont (23) is congratulated by center Ross Colton (79) after he scored a goal as Detroit Red Wings left wing Dominik Kubalik (81) looks on during the third period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images / Kim Klement-Imagn Images

As with any NHL season, injuries are always a threat to derail even the best teams, but the Detroit Red Wings could have a contingency plan if a big-name contributor or even a solid player misses extensive time with an injury. 

Just last season, when Dylan Larkin went down, Detroit’s playoff chances sank, but that can’t happen in what may be the team’s most pivotal year since the Steve Yzerman era began. Thankfully, the Wings could have an insurance policy in Dominik Kubalik, who recently signed with HC Ambri Piotta over in Switzerland. 

But that doesn’t mean Kubalik will spend the entire season in Europe, as he can return to the NHL if he exercises an opt-out clause by December 15th, roughly two months into the 2024-25 campaign. While Kubalik had a rough year last season with the Ottawa Senators, he has enjoyed success in the NHL, and one of those teams he played well for was the Wings. 

Red Wings could have Dominik Kubalik on standby if injuries hit forwards

Dominik Kubalik played just one season for the Red Wings in 2022-23 and finished the year with 45 points and 20 goals in 81 games. No, these aren’t anywhere near Dylan Larkin numbers, but Kubalik proved he could be a solid player in the Motor City, especially if he gets middle-six minutes. 

Since he’s also familiar with a contingent of the team’s forwards still in town from that 2022-23 season, it may not even take long for him to rebuild chemistry with those former teammates. That said, if the Wings struggled with injuries at forward before December 15th, having a player like Kubalik atop its shortlist wouldn’t be a bad idea. 

Now, Kubalik, who was a free agent in 2024, is free to sign with any of the NHL’s 32 teams, so if the Wings needed him, they must act with a sense of urgency because there’s a chance they could be competing for his services. 

Overall, Kubalik making the decision to play for at least a while in Switzerland could work out in his favor, as it would allow him to stay in hockey shape should someone from the NHL come calling during his opt-out window.

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