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Dubinsky makes the ECHL his lockout destination

Washington Capitals v New York Rangers - Game Four

in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 2011 in New York City.

Bruce Bennett

While numerous NHL players are opting to play in Europe or the AHL, Brandon Dubinsky hopes to stay sharp in ... Alaska.

He’ll be a member of the ECHL’s Alaska Aces during the lockout, joining forces with the likes of semi-regular NHL players such as Joey Crabb and Nate Thompson.

Dubinsky is coming off the worst full pro season of his career - his final one with the New York Rangers.

He scored 34 points after compiling a career-high 54 in a contract year, prompting a wave of trade rumors before he was sent to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the Rick Nash trade.

Blue Jackets forward R.J. Umberger admitted that Columbus now seems like a team brimming with second-liners, which indicates that Dubinsky was in line for a chance to be a go-to guy.

It wouldn’t be surprising if Dubinsky was antsy to redeem himself and take on a bigger role, but that opportunity is now on hold.

The Aces’ season starts on Friday, Oct. 19 so he’ll have time to get acquainted with his new, lesser-paid teammates.