Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times writes that the Chicago Blackhawks are making progress on a trade that might send Dominik Kubalik to another team prior to the NHL Trade Deadline. He mentions that the Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, and Winnipeg Jets are the three franchises with the most interest.
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For the Ducks and the Jets, it’s an interesting scenario because both teams are on the outside of the playoff picture and Kubalik likely represents more of a reclamation project. He’s having an incredibly bad season by his standards and perhaps these two teams believe he can turn things around if given the opportunity in another city. For the Oilers — who are fighting tooth and nail to stay in the playoffs — Kubalik is also a potential rental who could get hot down the stretch and provide the Oilers some great goal-scoring depth.
When you consider their priorities are defense and goaltending, Edmonton certainly isn’t in the need of another middle-six winger, but if the price is right and the Blackhawks are dumping Kubalik’s contract, GM Ken Holland might see Kubalik as both a trade deadline addition and an option to sign on a value deal in the summer. The issue is that the player is due a qualifying offer that is more than the Oilers would likely want to pay.
TSN’s Ryan Rishaug didn’t think there was much to the rumors of the Oilers being in on Kubalik. He writes, “I suppose things can change quickly, but it is my sense that Kubalik is not on the Oilers radar at this moment in a meaningful way.” He added, “I believe the focus remains on some blue-line help. A depth F is a possibility but not at or near the top of the list.”
As is, the Ducks are likely the favorite. Pope reports Anaheim has been interested for a while.
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