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On Friday June 12th, 2020, the Flyers dynamic forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel took to the ice in Vorhees for the first time since the NHL’s pause. More Flyers players are now trickling back to the ice with NAK, showing that the NHL is inching closer and closer to a return. Even as players return, there is a change to the way things operate in the Skate Zone.
According to Aube-Kubel, he wasn’t able to take the ice without first being tested for COVID-19, “I skated on Friday after I got tested for COVID, and this week is my first week of training,” Aube-Kubel said. Every player or staff member around the team will be tested rigorously for COVID-19 to ensure a minimal amount of outbreaks. Although, the environment may feel different, Aube-Kubel is finding solace in the return to the Skate Zone, “I missed the boys, I missed skating with them,” Aube-Kubel said, “(It was a) hard practice getting ready for camp.” A training camp likely feel a little familiar to the 24-year-old winger, as he has been spending time between the Phantoms and the big club for almost four years, “I think I was ready for the last two years,” Aube-Kubel said, “This year I’m really glad I got a chance to play with the team, I got some good ice time and I think I made the best of it.” He has absolutely made the best of it, putting up 15 points in 36 games in a bottom-6/top-9 forward role. Scoring aside, the man dubbed NAK by the fans finds himself positive in many playdriving metrics, including CORSI.
Aube-Kubel is also surrounded by some great talent in the Flyers Organization, “A lot of our players are naturally gifted, that’s going to for sure be a big plus for us through the playoffs,” Aube-Kubel said. Natural talent mixed with hard work yields good results, and NAK credits his teammates with being able to stay in good shape, “A lot of guys don’t take 6 months or 2 weeks to get back in shape,” Aube-Kubel said, “I’m counting on that, and I know the coaches are going to be on us.” Another credit to Head Coach Alain Vigneault, who has done a great job with this young team.
Hearing positive things from such a young part of this team is certainly a plus. With the NHL poised to return, Aube-Kubel will play a pivotal role in the underrated depth of the Flyers corps. in the playoffs, “I’m ready to make a statement.”
