NHL analyst connects the Toronto Maple Leafs to forward Dominik Kubalik

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Tyler Ball
August 9, 2024 (9:52)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to have a depth problem when it comes to their forwards but today one NHL analyst believes the solution could be Dominik Kubalik.

The Toronto Maple Leafs hinted at major changes to their roster for the 2024-25 NHL season. To this point, almost all of those changes have come on the defensive side of the game with signings like Chris Tanev. The lack of additions to the forward group has frustrated fans all summer but NHL analyst Michael Mazzei believes he found the solution.

NHL analyst suggests the Maple Leafs add former 30-goal scorer Dominik Kubalik

In a new piece for Leafs Nation reporter Michael Mazzei took a look at the NHL free agent market trying to find the best budget additions. In his search, he found former top-six winger for the Chicago Blackhawks Dominik Kubalik.

With an obvious need for additional depth on the left wing, Kubalik could propel himself into a top-six role and secure minutes on the second power-play unit. Assuming he can earn a spot out of camp, he could help fill the void left behind by Tyler Bertuzzi in terms of net-front presence and offense at a much-reduced price. The soon-to-be 29-year-old would certainly be motivated to revitalize his career and a competitive team like the Leafs could be the ideal place for him to seek that second chance

As Michael Mazzei mentions the Toronto Maple Leafs need to find a replacement for Tyler Bertuzzi. Dominik Kubalik could be just the player to buy low on. At his peak during the 2019-20 season, Dominik Kubalik had 30 goals and 46 points with the Blackhawks. However, since that breakout season, he has struggled to be consistent in the NHL.

In the following years with the Blackhawks, his point totals slipped down into the 30s. After a move to the Detroit Red Wings, his production took another spike heading north of 40 to 45 points one short of his career high. His most recent season was the most disappointing with the Ottawa Senators as Dominik Kubalik's production plummeted to 19 points in 74 games.

If the Toronto Maple Leafs were able to pull off the addition of Dominik Kubalik Michael Mazzei believes it could be insurance in case the team trades Nick Robertson. Over the last month, there has been more smoke surrounding trade requests made by Nick Robertson and his representation.

«Obviously, I have known that there was some frustration with Nick, but we look at Nick as an excellent player,» Treliving said on July 1. «There's a great opportunity for Nick here. We need him to be a good player for us.»

With all of the speculation adding a player with the track record and upside of Dominik Kubalik could soften the blow of losing a promising player like Nick Robertson. The NHL season is approaching fast and quality NHL players are few and far between now. When the opportunity comes to add a 30-goal scorer it is not something the Toronto Maple Leafs should pass up.

Source: Hockey DB
Dominik Kubalik Stats