Former Detroit Red Wings forward leaves North America for surprising opportunity in Switzerland

While it seems far-fetched, EV Zug of the Swiss League was kind enough to grant Kubalik an out-clause, should he ever receive a new contract with an NHL team.

But it's doubtful that he'll ever find himself suiting up for the Blackhawks, Senators, or Red Wings again. Three teams whose hallways he darkened, but never lived up to the hype as an NHL player.

Kubalik spent his entire 20242-25 season in Switzerland, as he rejoined the team he played for in the Swiss-A league before making the leap to the NHL, the Ambri-Piotta.

Now, he's found a new home with the EV Zug, which signed him to a two-year deal. Kubalik was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Kings 191st overall in the 7th round of the 2013 NHL Draft.

He'd never truly develop into an NHL forward, but found himself traveling around the league as a depth forward.

His entire NHL career saw him play a total of 357 games and score 176 points (93 goals, 83 assists)

Kubalik last suited up for the Atlantic Division's Ottawa Senators after a short stint in Detroit with the Red Wings.

In 2023-2024, he'd score a total of 15 points (11 goals, 4 assists) in 74 games with Steve Yzerman's Red Wings.

In Switzerland, it seems his career has once again taken off, as he scored a total of 49 points (27 goals, 22 assists) in 52 games with the Ambri-Piotta.

Is this good enough to get another look from an NHL team once again? Or are his hopes dashed once and for all?