In the world of professional sports, there are often decisions that players look back on with a sense of regret. For Dominik Kubalik, a talented forward from the Czech Republic, his departure from the Detroit Red Wings has become one of the biggest “what-ifs” of his career. Now playing for the Ottawa Senators after a whirlwind trade that saw him leave Detroit, Kubalik has opened up about his feelings, stating that leaving the Red Wings was a decision he wishes he could take back.
“It was a tough choice,” Kubalik admitted. “I should have stayed and fought for my place. I messed up. Looking back, I realize how much the Red Wings meant to me, not just as a team but as a city, a fanbase, and a community that embraced me from the moment I signed.” His words carry the weight of a player who has come to realize that not all opportunities are created equal.
Kubalik’s NHL career has been a story of impressive highs and some challenging lows. After being acquired by the Chicago Blackhawks from the Los Angeles Kings in 2019, Kubalik wasted no time making a name for himself. He quickly became known for his scoring ability, netting 30 goals in his rookie season, a feat few players achieve. The Blackhawks were thrilled with their acquisition, and Kubalik earned a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2020.
However, after three seasons in Chicago, where he racked up 116 points in 202 games, Kubalik found himself signing with the Detroit Red Wings in July 2022. The move to Detroit seemed like a fresh start for the forward, and he showed promise during his time there, becoming a key player for the Red Wings. Yet, despite his talent, things didn’t go as planned.
On July 9, 2023, Kubalik was traded to the Ottawa Senators in a deal that sent shockwaves through the hockey world. The trade included a package that saw the Red Wings part ways with Kubalik, Donovan Sebrango, a conditional first-round pick, and a fourth-round pick in exchange for Alex DeBrincat. For many fans, it was a bittersweet moment as Kubalik’s potential in Detroit was clear, but the team saw an opportunity to bring in a star forward in DeBrincat.
“I should have stayed and fought harder,” Kubalik said in a recent interview. “The Red Wings gave me a chance, and I didn’t fully realize how special that opportunity was until I was gone. The love and support from the team and the fans were unmatched. Detroit is a place like no other, and I let my chance slip away.”
Kubalik’s admission speaks to the importance of not just individual talent but also the relationships and environment in which a player thrives. Detroit’s rich hockey history, its passionate fanbase, and the unity within the locker room made Kubalik’s experience with the Red Wings a special one. Now that he’s with Ottawa, he can’t help but look back on his time in Detroit with a sense of longing.
“The fans in Detroit are massive. They stood by me through it all, and that’s something I will never forget,” Kubalik added. “I owe it to myself to become a better player, both on and off the ice. My behavior and attitude played a part in my departure, and that’s something I’m working on every day.”
Despite the regret, Kubalik isn’t ruling out the possibility of returning to Detroit someday. “I wish to return someday, to play in front of those incredible fans again. I’ve learned a lot over the last year, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that there’s no place like Detroit. I will always hold onto the hope that I might get the chance to wear the Red Wings jersey again.”
As Kubalik looks to the future, he remains focused on improving as a player and rebuilding his career in Ottawa. The Senators have high expectations for him, and he’s determined to make the most of this opportunity. But no matter where his career takes him, Kubalik will always have a special place in his heart for the Red Wings.
“I love you, Detroit fans,” Kubalik concluded. “You’ll forever be in my heart, and maybe, just maybe, one day I’ll get the chance to make things right.”
Kubalik’s story serves as a reminder for athletes everywhere that sometimes the grass isn’t greener on the other side. The support of a team, a city, and its fans can be invaluable, and those bonds should never be taken for granted. As Kubalik continues his career, his experience in Detroit will remain a guiding lesson in appreciating every opportunity, no matter how challenging it may seem at the time.
