What Should Maple Leafs’ Fans Expect from Nicolas Aube-Kubel?

Aube-Kubel actually got a rare chance to play for the Cup because, during what was a great 2021-22 season for him in the end, he was waived by Philadelphia early and then played 67 games with Colorado. Then his season was made even more interesting. Shortly after the parade and the celebration, the Avalanche decided not to qualify him.

Where Will Aube-Kubel Fit with the Maple Leafs?

As noted, look for him to add some scoring to the team. The 5-foot-11, 187-pound forward has only scored a total of 21 goals in 169 NHL games. However, he scored 11 of those goals with the Avalanche last season, so he can provide some secondary scoring.

He likely will be one of a number of depth players who will vie for jobs on the Maple Leafs’ fourth line. (The fourth line seems to me to be one of Maple Leafs’ general manager Kyle Dubas’ projects this season.) Dubas also signed Adam Gaudette, who had not been qualified by the Ottawa Senators. As well, a number of Toronto Marlies will also vie for a position on that fourth line. Those players include Marlies like Joey Anderson, Nick Abruzzese, Alex Steeves, and Pontus Holmberg. Any of these players could end up on that fourth line.

What Were Aube-Kubel’s Thoughts About Signing with the Maple Leafs?

During a recent video conference, Aube-Kubel smiled when he told the Toronto Sun that he needed to overcome two issues if he were going to join Toronto. The first issue is that, although he was born in Alberta, he grew up in Montreal. For him, it’s tough not to think Toronto is the enemy. (from “New Leafs forward Nicolas Aubé-Kubel is warming up the enemy, Kevin McGran, Toronto Sun, 15/07/2022).

The second issue is that he wanted another chance to win the Cup and he wanted to figure out what team offered him the best chance to reprise his 2022 success. The 26-year-old forward believed that was the Maple Leafs. They quickly became his chosen landing place. As he noted, “They have such a good team” and have a “good chance for the Cup next year.” 

He added that he didn’t “want to go somewhere where we would have a losing mentality or anything like that or just not make the playoffs.”

What Should Fans Expect from Aube-Kubel?

When Aube-Kubel was asked what he believed Maple Leafs’ fans should expect from him, he was confident with his reply. He noted, “I know myself to be physical and fast. … I’m really tenacious. You guys will see it next season.”

That’s an invitation to watch and look if ever I heard one. He should be fun to watch play this coming regular season.