Detroit — Dominik Kubalik went through it to an extent during the exhibition season, playing in Chicago where he’s spent the last three seasons.
But that’s the preseason, with few people in the stands and the game simply not meaning much.
But Friday’s game at United Center will be different. A sellout crowd for the Blackhawks’ home opener, a game that means something in the standings, and Kubalik’s first game against his former team.
“I’m excited,” Kubalik said after Thursday’s practice. “I’m kind of happy I already went through it in the preseason but after three years, it’s always nice to be able to play against them. Hopefully it’ll be a good game for us.”
The Blackhawks are massively rebuilding but it was still a bit of a surprise when they chose not to re-sign Kubalik, who signed on the first day of free agency with the Wings (two years, $5 million, $2.5 million salary cap hit).
Kubalik, 27, saw a good fit with the young but improving Wings.
“When I noticed I’m not going to be in Chicago anymore, I was kind of looking for another opportunity and especially where the team would want me as a player. That’s what happened and I’m happy to be here,” Kubalik said. “The team tried to make another step forward, which is always a good sign and I’m ready to play and be part of it.”
Kubalik has three points (one goal, two assists) in three games thus far and has risen to the top line with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond following the absences this week of Tyler Bertuzzi (upper-body injury) and Jakub Vrana (NHL/NHLPA player assistance program).
Kubalik has quickly adjusted to the Wings.
“One thing with Dominik that I probably didn’t give him enough credit is his ability to skate,” coach Derek Lalonde said. “Competing against him in the AHL and Chicago the last few years, he’s a shooter and finisher. But he’s helped us because he’s skating and getting above (pucks) and keeping plays alive on the forecheck.”
Nearly all of general manager Steve Yzerman’s free-agent additions have made quick, positive impacts, and Kubalik isn’t surprised.
“Overall as a team we’ve played pretty well, so that usually helps,” Kubalik said of the positive individual starts. “If you’re scoring goals, it’s good for the confidence and it’s much easier. It’s only been three games, so we just have to keep it going.”
The revamping of the Blackhawks’ roster has meant there aren’t many familiar faces left for Kubalik. But veterans Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, the last remaining pillars of Chicago’s three Stanley Cup championships remain for now, which is special for Kubalik.
“For me personally, Taser (Toews), I played a lot with him (linemate), a lot of games. That first season he made it a lot easier for me during games, I learned a lot,” Kubalik said. “Even Kaner on the power play, those guys just know. For a guy who came over from Switzerland (Swiss Hockey League), you’re just happy to be in the locker room with them.
“It was nice to watch them every day and get to know them and play with them.”
Roster remains same
Even without Bertuzzi and Vrana, Lalonde doesn’t expect to make any call-ups from Grand Rapids.
For the time being, the Wings are comfortable with the 12 forwards and seven defensemen on the roster.
“Very comfortable,” Lalonde said. “(Jordan) Oesterle has the ability to do both (forward, defense), so we’ll be comfortable with this group. We’re also comfortable with an 11 (forwards) and seven (defensemen) lineup. It sets up well for reasons guys can play up and down the lineup and have different looks.
“We’re comfortable with the 19 guys we have going forward. When Bertuzzi and Jakub went out of the lineup at the same time, it puts us at 12 and seven and it was an easy conversation (with Yzerman). We’re comfortable with this right now. Being so close to Grand Rapids, if something happens, if we need to pull someone (from the Griffins) we will, but we’re comfortable with where our lineup is at.”
Progressing well
Defenseman Jake Walman (shoulder surgery) practiced for the first time Thursday without an orange, non-contact jersey.
The original estimation had Walman expected to return to the lineup in early November and it appears he is on schedule.
“He still has some time away, but we’re working his way (back),” Lalonde said. “We’ll ramp up maybe even next week, we’ll work him a little more, and hopefully he’ll be available sooner than later.”
Forward Robby Fabbri (knee surgery) is skating on his own and is expected to return around January.
“He’s right on track from what we anticipated,” Lalonde said. “You can see with his (individual) skates, those have picked up. He’s in great spirits.
“I asked Fabs to be around a lot even though he was unavailable to us and he’s done that, because I still think he’s a big part of what we’re doing and we’re trying to implement him and help our leadership, too. It’s been great having him around.”
Retro jerseys
The NHL and Adidas unveiled the 32 NHL Reverse Retro jerseys.
Fans on social media gave the Wings’ uniform — red with four black stripes across the jersey and black stripes on the sleeves, pants and gloves — a mixed reaction.
The retro jersey honors the 1991 NHL 75th anniversary jersey, which paid homage to the 1920 Detroit Cougars jersey.
“I love them,” Lalonde said. “You see them in person, they’re awesome. They’re classy and they pop. You see my wardrobe, though. I don’t know if I’m expert on it.”
The jersey is expected to debut Nov. 28 against Toronto, one of six games the Wings will wear them.
Red Wings at Blackhawks
▶ Faceoff: 8:30 p.m. Friday, United Center, Chicago
▶ TV/radio: BSD+/97.1
▶ Outlook: After a week on the road the Blackhawks (1-2-0) are playing their regular-season home opener. … Chicago is in a massive rebuild, with C Jonathan Toews (two goals) and RW Patrick Kane (one assist) expected to be dealt before the trade deadline. Former Red Wings Petr Mrazek (1-1-0, 3.50 goals-against average, .885 save percentage) and Andreas Athanasiou (one assist) are on the Blackhawks roster.
ted.kulfan@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @tkulfan