Nicolas Aube-Kubel once dropped the Stanley Cup.
Now, it appears he is dropping out of the NHL.
The veteran forward’s NHL career appears to be over, at least for now, as Aube-Kubel has agreed to terms with Dinamo Minsk of the Kontinental Hockey League through May 2027, according to Jeremy Garrett of Hockey News Hub.
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For Colorado Avalanche fans, Aube-Kubel will always be remembered as a member of the 2022 Stanley Cup championship team — and, perhaps fittingly, for one particularly unforgettable moment during the celebration when he accidentally dropped the Cup, causing damage to hockey’s most iconic trophy.
Jokes aside, Aube-Kubel played an important role in helping the Avalanche reach the mountaintop
Originally selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round of the 2014 NHL Draft, Aube-Kubel spent his first several professional seasons in the American Hockey League before establishing himself as an NHL regular.
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He ultimately appeared in 310 regular-season NHL games with the Flyers, Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild, recording 32 goals and 50 assists for 82 points.
His time in Colorado came during what was arguably the best statistical season of his NHL career.
The 2021-22 season was also the best offensive year of Aube-Kubel’s NHL career. He put up 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points in 67 games, setting career highs in both categories during Colorado’s championship season.
Then came the postseason.
Aube-Kubel appeared in 14 games during Colorado’s Stanley Cup run, contributing one assist as the Avalanche eventually defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning to capture the franchise’s third championship.
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In total, Aube-Kubel played 30 career playoff games, recording two goals and one assist for three points.
The numbers may not jump off the page, but Aube-Kubel’s career was never about being a superstar. He carved out a role through physicality, competitiveness and an ability to contribute in a bottom-six role — eventually reaching the highest possible stage in hockey.
And now, after 310 NHL games and a Stanley Cup championship on his résumé, Aube-Kubel appears ready to begin a new chapter overseas.
His NHL career may be coming to an end, but Avalanche fans will always have the memories of 2022 — including the unforgettable image of Aube-Kubel lifting the Stanley Cup before, well, dropping it.
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