A 2014 second round pick and number 48 overall, Nicolas Aube-Kubel, has blossomed into a high quality bottom 6 forward for the Flyers this season. In the 2018-19 season, Aube-Kubel played in nine games with the big club, where he had a plus one rating during that time. After being sent back down to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in 2018-19, Aube-Kubel put together a quality season of 16G, 14A, 30P, 69PIM, and +/- of -2 in 54 games played. However, this was not even his best season. In the 2017-18 season, Aube-Kubel killed it for the Phantoms. That year Kubel had 18G, 28A, 46P, 86PIM, and a great +/- of plus 24. For Aube-Kubel, it was all about putting all his tools together, and getting the perfect opportunity to succeed. Aube-Kubel himself spoke on that opportunity when he was interviewed for Bill Meltzer’s player profile with him on February 25th. Aube-Kubel stated, “Last year, I didn’t really get a good chance to show what I could do. It was a different situation. There’s a role for me here now, and I am getting the opportunity. I like playing physical, and I think I can also score, too.”
Aube-Kubel also told our very own Jamey Baskow back in January, “For sure it was disappointing to get sent back,” NAK said, “I came to camp thinking I would have a spot especially in Europe for the first game. I knew the gift the NHL has given me. I knew I would make an impact, you know what though it really motivated me.”
These quotes perfectly summed up NAK’s game. He has been placed into a perfect role for him this season, while averaging 11:17 of ice time to utilize his growing skills. NAK has also been a secret weapon of sorts for the Flyers when injuries struck or someone else struggled one game. This allowed Aube-Kubel to get some second unit Power Play and Penalty Kill time. During the season, Aube-Kubel showed effectiveness on the forecheck, as well as, along the boards leading to success for the PK and PP. For the season, Aube-Kubel had two goals, and one assist on the PP for three points. Overall, Aube- Kubel suited up in 36 games, had seven goals, and eight assists for 15 points. He also managed a plus one rating. In addition, NAK had 19 penalty minutes, which as Aube-Kubel said in his quote to Meltzer, he likes to be physical, as well as, stick up for his teammates. Aube-Kubel is another player that enjoys getting under the skin of opponents, while also effectively playing his game and not getting out of sorts.
Some guys just take a little longer than others to develop, and fully grow, and Aube-Kubel just happens to be one of them. NAK has gotten so much time to work on his game, and grow into what can truly make him that high quality top 9 forward, with top 6 potential at times. NAK plays a solid, yet consistent game, with quality speed, and a sneaky shot, as well. That sneaky shot can be seen below, as he scores on Henrik Lundqvist with a perfect shot into the top corner of the net for his first NHL goal on the PP nonetheless, in a 5-1 victory over the New York Rangers.
Furthermore, the ability to be physical, and stand up for his teammates while playing a productive game on both ends of the ice can be seen in the game against the Washington Capitals. For his efforts, he accomplished a Gordie Howe hat trick (goal, assist, and a fight). That feat can be seen below at the end of this final paragraph. Wrapping up, Aube-Kubel is a player who just continues to get better, and hone in his craft even more as time goes on. Head Coach Alain Vigneault said it perfect in his quote to Meltzer, “Ever since we called him up, he’s played better. It’s my sense he’s improving. We see the speed, the size the physicality, going into the tough areas. Can he put it all together and become an effective NHL player {on a long term basis}? Time will tell.”
After seeing his play this season there is really only one remaining question left for Aube-Kubel. Can he sustain this play? That remains to be seen down the line, as he comes into camp next year as a favorite to crack the starting lineup. All he has to do is continue to prove he is worthy of that honor. For me, from watching him in games earlier in his career with the Phantoms, he has always been one of those guys who is always going full boar, and never takes any plays off. Lastly, his work ethic like other youngsters in Morgan Frost, Joel Farabee, Connor Bunnaman…etc. is suburb, so with that logic, I believe NAK is going to have no issues remaining in the NHL in a top nine role.
