Wisconsin men's hockey defender signs with AHL contender

Aiden Dubinsky joins Laval Rocket after strong senior season with Badgers

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:20am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey player in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant shades of blue, red, and yellow.A rising Wisconsin defenseman looks to make his mark in the professional ranks with the AHL's Laval Rocket.Duluth Today

Fresh off a trip to the National Championship game, Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey defender Aiden Dubinsky has signed a professional tryout contract with the Laval Rocket, the AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens. Dubinsky, a senior who previously played at Minnesota Duluth, scored 2 goals and had 4 assists in 39 games for the Badgers this past season.

Why it matters

This move represents an exciting opportunity for Dubinsky to take his hockey career to the next level with an AHL team that has already clinched a playoff spot. It also highlights the continued pipeline of talent from the University of Wisconsin to the professional ranks.

The details

Dubinsky, a senior defenseman, is one of the notable players leaving the Badgers squad after their run to the National Championship game. He will now head to Laval, Quebec to join the Rocket, who are the AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens have a superstar in Cole Caufield, another Wisconsin native, on their NHL roster.

  • Dubinsky signed his professional tryout contract on April 16, 2026.
  • He just completed his senior season with the Wisconsin Badgers in 2025-26.

The players

Aiden Dubinsky

A senior defenseman who played the 2025-26 season with the Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey team after previously playing at Minnesota Duluth.

Cole Caufield

A 50-goal scorer for the Montreal Canadiens who also played collegiate hockey with the Wisconsin Badgers.

Laval Rocket

The AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens, who have already clinched a playoff spot this season.

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What they’re saying

“Now all eyes are on Dubinsky. The senior defenseman is one of the notable players leaving this Badgers squad, but he's clearly already onto bigger and better things.”

— Jordon Lawrenz, Author

What’s next

Dubinsky will look to make the most of his professional tryout opportunity with the Laval Rocket as he aims to earn a contract and continue his hockey career at the AHL level.

The takeaway

Dubinsky's move to the Laval Rocket represents an exciting next step in his hockey journey after a strong senior season with the Wisconsin Badgers. It highlights the continued pipeline of talent from the University of Wisconsin to the professional ranks.