Former NHL Stars Eye Milan Olympics for Final Career Opportunities
Former NHL players are seizing a critical opportunity at the Milan Olympics to showcase their talent for potential NHL comebacks. With the NHL opting out of this Olympic season, athletes like Dominik Kahun are aiming to make a significant impact.
Dominik Kahun’s Olympic Journey
Dominik Kahun began his professional ice hockey career in Germany, playing for a successful Munich team that captured the Deutsche Eishockey Liga championship in his early years. Despite being a solid contributor, Kahun was not among the league’s top scorers.
However, the 2018 Winter Olympics served as a turning point for him. Without NHL players participating, Kahun capitalized on this opportunity to shine on the ice, contributing significantly to Germany’s historic silver medal finish. His Olympic performance included key assists and goals against top teams, which caught the attention of NHL scouts leading to his signing with the Chicago Blackhawks shortly after the Games.
Current Olympians with NHL Aspirations
As Kahun returns to the Olympics at 30 years old, he is not alone. Several former NHL players are in Milan, including:
- Dominik Kubalik (Czech Republic)
- Ondřej Kaše (Czech Republic)
- Tomáš Tatar (Slovakia)
- Rūdolfs Balcers (Latvia)
- Denis Malgin (Switzerland)
- Dean Kukan (Switzerland)
- Pierre-Édouard Bellemare (France)
For these players, the Olympics represent an essential platform to showcase their skills and possibly reignite their NHL careers. Many, like Kubalik, see this event as vital to remind the league of their capabilities.
Individual Motivations
Each player shares a common goal: to represent their country while keeping an eye on NHL opportunities. While the focus is on teamwork and national pride, the chance to impress NHL general managers is on their minds.
Belarusian Balcers, who last played for the Tampa Bay Lightning, expressed that performing well could open doors for future opportunities. “I’m trying to play my best every night, and if I play good, people might notice,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kaše, returning to the Czech Extraliga after several NHL stints, remains uncertain about returning to North America. He stated, “It’s a very tough question; I’m not sure I can answer it.” Yet, he focuses on his current responsibilities in Milan.
The Road Ahead
The odds of these players returning to the NHL are uncertain, but the Milan Olympics offer a significant stage for them to demonstrate their talent. Each game played will be crucial, providing a chance to attract attention from the NHL.
As Kahun and his fellow athletes compete, they embrace the excitement of representing their countries, knowing they might be one performance away from a potential return to the world’s premier hockey league.
