Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Washington Capitals (Photo: Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
Nicolas Aubé-Kubel, a former Philadelphia Flyer and 2022 Stanley Cup Champion, will explore free agency this offseason. It’s unlikely that the 28-year-old unrestricted free agent will return to the Washington Capitals, as stated by General Manager Brian MacLellan. This became even clearer after the Capitals acquired Andrew Mangiapane from the Calgary Flames for a 2025 second-round pick.
Just two days after welcoming a new baby boy into the world, Aubé-Kubel finds himself searching for a new team again, as the Capitals are unlikely to offer him a new contract for the 2024-25 season.
Despite playing for four different teams in the last four years, this will only be the second time Aubé-Kubel has tested free agency. After spending five years with the Philadelphia Flyers, he has since had stints with the Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Washington Capitals between 2021 and 2024.
This will be the second time he’s on the free agent market, as he was signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs in July 2022, before being picked up on waivers by the Capitals in November. Throughout his seven-year-long career, Aubé-Kubel has played in 282 games, tallying 31 goals, 47 assists, and 78 points. He made his mark on the Stanley Cup in 2022 with the Colorado Avalanche.
Truly a locker room presence, Kubel may be a bottom-six grinder, but he is a vital piece on and off the ice. His teammates cannot say enough nice things about him. He also shows good speed and flashes of offensive prowess. Having gotten to know Kubel personally, I have never met or spoken to a more genuine hockey player.
Teams to keep an eye on this off-season in the Aubé-Kubel market include the Utah Hockey Club, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres and New York Rangers.
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