Capitals Claim Nicolas Aube-Kubel from Toronto
On Saturday November 5th, the Toronto Maple Leafs were looking to open up a roster spot as they had been carrying the maximum of 50 contracts, leading to the waiving of Nicolas Aube Kubel’s contract. With all the Washington Capitals injuries they have incurred, Aube-Kubel is someone who will have little to no effect on our current Cap situation along with fitting into a very thinned out forward group, which made it a no-brainer as the Capitals picked him up off waivers.
Aube-Kubel had an incredible experience last year with the Stanley Cup winning Colorado Avalanche, playing in 67 of 82 regular season games, putting up a total of 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points. Aube-Kubel also got plenty of playoff experience during the Avalanche’s Cup run, playing in 16 of 20 playoff games, however, for the most part playing minimal minutes. During this time, he would be able to see and learn what it takes to have a long playoff run.
What Aube-Kubel does for a lineup
Since joining the league, Aube-Kubel has been a great depth piece for the Philadelphia Flyers and Colorado Avalanche, totaling 50 points in 175 career games played. Aube-Kubel played a large portion last year on the Avs 3rd line, alongside rookie Alex Newhook and a rotation between veteran Darren Helm and Tyson Jost. During an Injury ridden streak for the Avs last season, Aube-Kubel stepped up into Nazem Kadri’s spot on the 2nd line and looked like he fit in right away. During his stretch on the second line, Aube-Kubel was averaging 2 hits and 3 shots per game along with a point in 4 of his 5 games on the Avalanches second line.
As any Capitals fan has noticed, the Capitals are struggling to put the puck in the back of the net. Nicolas Aube-Kubel isn’t necessarily known for his offensive upside, however, any type of contributions in the goal column will be greatly appreciated by the Capitals coaching staff and fans.
The things you need to make sure you are working on and perfecting during an offensive drought like they are in, are things such as , defensive structure, breakouts and puck battles, and as we have heard from the Capitals coaching staff, this is something they have been focusing and working on, knowing they have so many players missing from the lineup. These facets of the game are really where Aube-Kubel strives.
“I didn’t get much opportunity there… I get a second chance and I’m all for it.” said Aube-Kubel to Sammi Siliber (Washingtonhockeynow.com). Aube-Kubel will now get a fair shake – after not getting many kicks at the can in Toronto – at solidifying himself on a 3rd or 4th line of a team that has playoff aspirations while the team looks like it could have some openings. The type of game Aube-Kubel plays, using his body when needed, winning puck battles and staying disciplined defensively, is very fitting and certainly wont go unnoticed on a team coached by Peter Laviolette.
Aube Kubel is expected to crack the roster for his first game tonight against the Edmonton Oilers. Only time will tell what Laviolette and this Capitals staff can bring out of Aube-Kubel, and if he can really be a new and exciting spark for this beat down Capitals team that seems to be trending in the wrong direction.