Ex-Penguins forward Dominik Kahun eager for new start with Sabres

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Dominik Kahun had been traded before.

After all, the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired him in June from the Chicago Blackhawks via trade.

But that was in the summer. Kahun had time to adjust to a new team, a new city and a new life.

When the Penguins traded him to the Buffalo Sabres last month, he was totally unprepared.

Not necessarily for another new team.

For the weather.

Kahun was with the Penguins on Feb. 24 in Los Angeles. By the time the NHL’s trade deadline expired at 3 p.m. that day, he was a member of the Sabres.

As the Penguins were about to begin a three-game, week-long road trip in California, Kahun had packed accordingly for the trek. He was ready for several days of warm temperatures and sunny skies.

Not Denver.

In late winter.

But that’s where the Sabres were when they acquired Kahun. And that’s where Kahun and, by his estimate, four t-shirts met his new teammates.

Kahun and his light wardrobe also traveled to Glendale, Ariz., Las Vegas and Winnipeg for the remainder of the Sabres road trip before finally returning to Western New York on Wednesday.

With most of his possessions still in his suburban Pittsburgh domicile, Kahun went to the mall to acquire garments appropriate for life on the eastern shores of snowy Lake Erie.

“I didn’t really see it coming,” Kahun said. “I was really surprised and shocked, but after that, it went so fast. But now, I’m here and I’m fine.”

Through his first three games with the Sabres, Kahun has two points (one goal, one assist) while averaging 12 minutes, 29 seconds minutes of ice time.

After missing his new team’s game against the Colorado Avalanche on Feb. 26 because of a left leg injury he suffered in his final game with the Penguins, Kahun scored in his debut for the Sabres in a 4-2 win against the Vegas Golden Knights only 2:16 into regulation.

“I’ve just played a few games, but it’s very fun,” Kahun said. “I like it so far. We have a great group of young guys. It’s very fun so far for sure.”

Sabres management appears intrigued with what Kahun can offer.

“He’s a sparkplug,” Sabres coach Ralph Krueger said. “We think he has a strong skillset. We like his speed and his deception in the game. Also, because he had a very long running past as a centerman in Europe … he has a good understanding of the game away from the puck.

“We like the way he’s integrated himself here so quickly into the principles and the concepts that we’re trying to cement here without the puck. You can see his smarts. And a good spirit, a good guy in the room. He’s been an excellent addition here.”

Currently working the left wing of the Sabres’ second line with Marcus Johansson at center and Jimmy Vesey on the right wing, Krueger suggested Kahun could possibly move to center, a position he played as a professional in Germany but rarely has occupied since becoming an NHLer in 2018-19.

“We do see the potential as an NHL centerman eventually,” Krueger said. “That is important in the league today to have players that are flexible. Even within a game, he’s one you can move up and down the lineup in different capacities depending on the score. That’s always good to have a few players that have that flexibility.”

Kahun addressed the prospect of returning to center regularly: “I would for sure be excited to try it again. I was waiting for it now two years almost in the NHL. For sure I’m excited that I can get a chance at center.”

He was productive, albeit inconsistently, during his time with the Penguins. In 50 games with the team, the 24-year-old Kahun had a respectable 27 points (11 goals, 18 assists) while being moved to seemingly every line throughout the course of the season.

“He improved a lot,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “I give Dominik a lot of credit. He worked hard at it. He works hard at his game. He’s a guy that really likes his game. He’s got an appetite to improve and get better. He did a good job for us when he was (with the Penguins). He’s a good offensive player.”

Kahun credited Penguins coaches and management for making him a better player.

“I learned a lot of new stuff in Pittsburgh for sure,” Kahun said. “It’s a great team. Obviously, very good players so I could learn from them. I learned new stuff. They definitely made me better and stronger.

“Now, I play for Buffalo and I’m excited for that.”

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