Pavel Kubina

Pavel Kubina is a Czech defenseman on the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Kubina was drafted in 1996 by the Tampa Bay Lightning, after playing four seasons in the Czech leagues. Kubina remained with the Lightning through 2006, winning the Cup in 2004. After the 2005-06 season, Kubina signed a four year deal with Toronto. With Toronto, Kubina was one of the top defensemen on the team, spending a decent amount of time playing with fellow Czech Tomas Kaberle. He had a career year in 2007-08, scoring a career high 40 points while recording 116 penalty minutes. He would match his point total again in 2008-09. In the 2009 offseason, he was traded to Atlanta for Garnet Exelby, as the Leafs tried to increase the level of toughness on their blueline. He had another solid year with the Thrashers in 2009-10, recording 32 assists and 38 points, and was rewarded with a sizable contract by his longtime former team, Tampa Bay. At $3.85 million per year, he'll be expected to put up at least 35-40 points for the team he once won the Cup with.

Kibina won a bronze medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics with the Czech Republic.