Pavel Kubina update
His has an interesting passport, from his native Czech Republic to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, with postings in upstate New York and Cleveland. But it has delivered him to a 12-year NHL career.
Just as “the skinny little Czech kid with the big head,” which then-Tampa Bay general manager Phil Esposito called him when he drafted him, has come a long way too. Try 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds.
The Thrashers defenseman, who came to the team in an off-season trade with Toronto, has brought much needed size to the Atlanta blue line. Furthermore, he brings a Stanley Cup tattoo on his ankle, the constant reminder of the pinnacle of any hockey career, which he reached in 2004 with the Lightning. The other Thrashers have noticed.
“He brings 700-plus games [of experience],” defenseman Ron Hainsey said. “He knows what he’s doing out there. He’s a great communicator as far as helping his partner out on the ice. He’s a steady veteran presence. He’s a big piece that we added and a big reason we are having a little more success.”
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