While numerous NHL players are opting to play in Europe or the AHL, Brandon Dubinsky hopes to stay sharp in ... Alaska.
He’ll be a member of the ECHL’s Alaska Aces during the lockout, joining forces with the likes of semi-regular NHL players such as Joey Crabb and Nate Thompson.
Dubinsky is coming off the worst full pro season of his career - his final one with the New York Rangers.
He scored 34 points after compiling a career-high 54 in a contract year, prompting a wave of trade rumors before he was sent to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the Rick Nash trade.
Blue Jackets forward R.J. Umberger admitted that Columbus now seems like a team brimming with second-liners, which indicates that Dubinsky was in line for a chance to be a go-to guy.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Dubinsky was antsy to redeem himself and take on a bigger role, but that opportunity is now on hold.
The Aces’ season starts on Friday, Oct. 19 so he’ll have time to get acquainted with his new, lesser-paid teammates.