Chicago Blackhawks: Team signs pair of European forwards

The Chicago Blackhawks have bolstered the forward position signing two highly touted European prospects. When might they make their debut?

The Chicago Blackhawks acquired the rights to Los Angeles Kings’ 2013 seventh-round draft pick, Dominik Kubalik for a 2019 fifth-round draft pick. The team has also signed the 23-year old to a one-year deal worth $925,000.

Kubalik’s is from the Czech Republic and plays at the left wing. After being drafted by the Kings, he never signed a contract with the team but chose to play two years in the Ontario Hockey League and has spent the last five playing in the Swiss Hockey League.

His 57 points last season (25 goals, 32 assists) in 50 games were tops in the National League. For his efforts, he was named the league’s Most Valuable Player and best forward. This past season was a break-through sason for Kubalik after having just 27 points the year before. He recently just played in the World Championships for his home country and finished with 12 points (6 goals, 6 assists) in 10 games with a +10 rating.

Kubalik can’t wait to get to work with the Blackhawks:

"“It’s amazing,” Kubalik said on a conference call Wednesday of signing with the Blackhawks organization. “I’m looking forward to play and really excited for whatever happens in the future. I’m excited to see Chicago and all the people there. I’m so excited, really, really happy.” – via NBCSportsChicago"

As of right now, it appears that if Kubalik makes the team, he will be on the third or fourth line pairing with Artem Anisimov and Dominik Kahun up front.

This news comes on the heels of the Blackhawks signing a one-year deal with 26-year old Swedish forward Anton Wedin last week. Similar to Kubalik, Wedin had a breakout year in the Swiss Hockey League this past season playing for Timra IK. He finished with 27 points (14 goals, 13 assists) and 0.84 points-per-game, which was good for 12th best.

So having signed two forwards, where does Wedin fit into the Blackhawks plans? My speculation right now is that the Blackhawks have him play on the fourth line. The nice thing about Wedin is he has ability to play both the left and right wing position so he’s extremely versatile.

It will be interesting to see how this unfolds heading into training camp. Regardless, this is very good news for Jeremy Colliton as he heads into his first full season as the head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks. They will also have the opportunity to keep adding prospects in June’s draft.