Newly signed Leafs winger Nicolas Aube-Kubel speaks publicly for the first time since signing in Toronto
For newly minted Leaf Nicolas Aube-Kubel, the story he's likely most known for from this past season is being the guy who famously dropped the Stanley Cup during the on-ice celebrations, unfortunately. But even so, Aube-Kubel is taking it on the chin with a very light-hearted approach, because ultimately, all it means is that he's a champion.
Aube-Kubel spoke publicly on Friday for the first time since becoming a Leaf and among the many things he was asked, one of them was about the incident involving the infamous fall that dented the Cup. The feisty winger admitted that he is clumsy by nature and his friends and family will not soon let him forget it.
As far as his offseason was concerned, Aube-Kubel knew that he was going to be a free agent this summer, so he had the time to prepare himself mentally for what lay ahead. He said, of all of the offers that he received this summer, coming to Toronto was a no-brainer for him, as he felt that it was the team who he had the best chance to win with.
As far as what his goal is in his mind for the upcoming season, Aube-Kubel revealed that he wants to use this opportunity as a springboard of sorts to try vault himself into a longer-term opportunity somewhere - preferably with the Leafs.
Aube-Kubel, 26, was drafted in the 2nd round by the Philadelphia Flyers (48th overall) back in 2014 and spent the first 3 seasons of his career with the Flyers before being picked up by the Avalanche last season. The Slave Lake, Alberta native skated in 67 games for the Avs last season, posting 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points in a depth role with the club.
A relentless forechecker who likes to be very physical, Aube-Kubel is not going to light anyone up on the scoreboard, but he is going to make sure guys are looking over their shoulders and burn defenders with his speed if they're not careful. He should be a solid addition to the Leafs' bottom six.
