Olympic Dreams: Ex-NHLers Seek Opportunities on Global Stage

In the beginning of his professional career, Dominik Kahun was an accomplished player on a successful Munich team, which clinched the Deutsche Eishockey Liga title in his first three full seasons. Despite being impressive, Kahun wasn’t considered his team’s top scorer—never breaching the league’s top 10 scorers and slightly undersized at 5-foot-11. This led many to assume he would remain one of the many unnoticed European pros in North American hockey.

Occasionally, NHL scouts attended Munich’s games, but Kahun seldom caught their individual attention. His anonymity in the league seemed assured until the Olympics approached, marking a significant turning point in his career as the NHL opted out for the first time since 1994.

“I was definitely thinking about the NHL in 2018,” Kahun recounted. “The Olympics represented a major opportunity for me to make an impact and potentially get noticed.”

Joining Germany’s national team, Kahun took advantage of the NHL’s absence, helping his team secure silver in South Korea. He played a pivotal role, contributing an assist against Switzerland, a crucial goal in defeating Sweden, an assist in beating Canada, and scoring in the agonizing overtime loss to Russia in the gold medal game.

“Sometimes I wish I would put less pressure on myself, but those who know me well understand that I put the most pressure on myself,” Kahun stated. “I knew the Olympics were crucial for me, and I had to perform at my best to garner attention.”

A few months post-Olympics, Kahun signed with the Chicago Blackhawks, with GM Stan Bowman highlighting Kahun’s performance in Pyeongchang as a deciding factor. Suddenly, Kahun found himself with multiple suitors, eventually securing a deal with Chicago, complete with incentives and an out clause should he need to return to Europe.

Kahun’s NHL stint saw him notch 34 goals and 83 points over 186 games with several teams, including the Blackhawks, Penguins, Sabres, and Oilers. Playing in Switzerland since the 2021-22 season, Kahun is back at the Olympics for Germany, eager for another chance to shine at 30 years old.

“You never know,” Kahun shared. “I’m entering this with a clear mind, aiming to perform my best. Team success is paramount, and if the team excels, it benefits every player. Opportunity always looms.”

Kahun is among several ex-NHLers in this year’s Olympics, which also includes Dominik Kubalik, Tomáš Tatar, Rūdolfs Balcers, Denis Malgin, Dean Kukan, and Pierre-Édouard Bellemare. Except for veteran Bellemare, many see the Olympics as a likely last shot to catch the NHL’s attention.

Dominik Kubalik, now 30, echoes Kahun’s sentiments, eager to prove his NHL potential. Having entered the NHL post-2018 Olympics with Chicago, Kubalik seeks a triumphant return after a gap in the league since his Ottawa tenure in 2023-24.

“I’m here to demonstrate to the world that smaller countries like the Czech Republic can compete and succeed,” Kubalik stated.

Other players like Tomáš Tatar emphasize the collective goals, stating, “We are here as a team, pursuing success. If we succeed as a team, individuals will naturally gain recognition.” Young European talent dreams of the NHL lifestyle, understood well by ex-NHLers who acknowledge the unparalleled living conditions in the league despite potential lifestyle preferences in Europe.

Rūdolfs Balcers, once playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Ondřej Kaše, who had stints with various NHL clubs, highlight that every competition, be it the Olympics or World Championships, is a chance to showcase their skill sets.

As the Olympics unfold, whether or not these seasoned players make an NHL return is uncertain. Yet, they eagerly embrace this prestigious platform to once again prove their standing among the world’s elite.