Kubalik sent back to Springfield

Published Apr. 7, 2011 10:49 a.m. ET

foxsports

From a Blue Jackets Press Release...

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS ASSIGN FORWARD TOMAS KUBALIK TO AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE’S SPRINGFIELD FALCONS

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets have assigned right wing Tomas Kubalik to the Springfield Falcons, Columbus’ American Hockey League affiliate, club Executive Vice President and General Manager Scott Howson announced today.

Kubalik (pronounced koo-BAHL-ihk), 20, collected two assists for two points in three games with the Blue Jackets after being added to the roster on emergency recall March 31. He became just the third player in franchise history to record a multi-point game while making his NHL debut with the club when he had two assists at Washington on March 31.

He has registered 22 goals and 28 assists for 50 points and 43 penalty minutes in 73 games for Springfield, ranking fourth among AHL rookies in points and sixth (tied) in goals. The Blue Jackets’ sixth pick, 135th overall in the 2008 Entry Draft, he is playing his first professional season and leads the Falcons in goals, points and power play goals (6), while ranking second (tied) in assists.

The Plzen, Czech Republic native tallied 33-42-75, 95 penalty minutes and was +16 in 58 games with Victoriaville of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 2009-10, his first season in North America. He led the club (tied) and ranked sixth (tied) in the QMJHL in game-winning goals (7). He also ranked third on the club in points (tied), fourth in goals and fifth in assists. Prior to his North American career, he spent four seasons playing for Plzen in the Czech Elite and Czech-2 leagues. He combined to record 36-32-68 and 222 penalty minutes in 136 games from 2005-09.

The Blue Jackets return to action Thursday when the club visits the Nashville Predators. Game time from Bridgestone Arena is 8 p.m. ET. Live coverage on FOX Sports Ohio begins with the Blue Jackets Live pre-game show starting at 7:30 p.m. The game will also broadcast live on the Wheeling Island Hotel & Casino Blue Jackets Radio Network – including flagship station 97.1 The Fan – and online at BlueJackets.com.