Speculation about the possible transfer of Marc Andre Fleury from Chicago to Edmonton is not the only one that mentions this direction. According to several overseas sources, there is also communication between the same organizations about the possible arrival of Dominic Kubalík.
First of all, both clubs are used to trading together. Let's recall the replacement of Duncan Keith, the three-time Stanley Cup champion, who has been wearing the Oilmen's jersey since this season. In this case, Chicago did not keep a dollar from the veteran's salary. That would probably have to be the case with Kubalík. Or it would have to be a trade-off of comparable players, hockeywriters.com speculates.
Probably the most pressing problem remains in the Edmonton goal area. Mike Smith is one of the NHL's oldest goalkeepers at the age of 39. The Oilers have the highest ambitions. Smith is simply not at the age when he can bring them to the top. Mikko Koskinen, who is six years younger and has spent most of his career in the KHL, does not have top performance. Twenty-three-year-old Stuart Skinner is just looking around in the NHL.
Before the season, Ken Holland dealt intensively with the post of goalkeeper, but in the end there was no change. The bet on the previous tandem was more of a way out of the emergency. If the performances of the masked Oilers men are not satisfactory, it is possible that Fleury and Kubalík will come from Chicago at the same time until the transfer deadline. This is due to the fact that the Blackhawks play poorly and may thus be among the "sellers".
After this season, Dominik Kubalík's contract ends, which guaranteed him $ 3.7 million this year. He will be in the position of RFA, a protected agent, which gives the potential new club exclusive rights to negotiate cooperation with him for years to come. A native of Pilsen cannot run away without compensation.
The Czech sniper is playing in the NHL for the third season. The year before, he scored 30 goals in 68 matches. Last year, he made 17 hits in 56 duels. So far, he has scored six times in 30 starts. He is behind expectations, especially in the game of five to five, when he scored only three times. He might benefit from the change.
Kubalík has a reputation as a shooter and there is more space on the wings in Edmonton than in the middle of an attack. Everyone's breathtaking opportunity to board alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl centers. Who wouldn't want such a position?
Speaking of Oilers, let's add another gossip that has been on the Internet in recent weeks. Although it probably won't rain from this cloud, Ken Holland reportedly contacted coach Mike Babcock. Edmonton has won twice after six defeats, but Dave Tippett's position is certainly not very sure. Holland is a seasoned manager who is not afraid to map out all the possibilities.