Philadelphia Flyers: 5 Under the radar preseason players to watch
2. Nicolas Aubé-Kubel
A second-round pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, Nicolas Aubé-Kubel has quietly worked his way through the Flyers minor league system. After showcasing offensive talents in the QMJHL, his play in his first AHL season wasn’t as spectacular.
Aubé-Kubel put up a mere 18 points (9 goals, 9 assists) in 71 games for the Phantoms in the 2016-2017 season. He also went pointless in four games in the Calder Cup playoffs that year. It seems he had a bit of a learning curve jumping from a junior to the professional league, which shouldn’t be surprising. Aubé-Kubel came back last year and showed he learned a thing or two about AHL-level play.
Nicolas posted 46 points (18 goals, 28 assists) in 72 games for Lehigh Valley last season, but again went pointless in 10 Calder Cup playoff games. It seems Aubé-Kubel is still trying to fully figure out the pace of AHL play, but could possibly breakout entering his third season. Aubé-Kubel showed development last year, and there’s no reason to think he won’t show more.
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He also provides a physical and feisty element to his game, but maybe to a flaw. Aubé-Kubel has never had less than 50 penalty minutes since the 2013-2014 season. You like to see your players bring an edge every once in a while, but not if it’s constantly putting your team on the penalty kill.
Aubé-Kubel is definitely fighting for a fourth line wing spot coming into training camp. He would not only help provide a physical presence for the Flyers but also provide a bit of a scoring touch and speed as well.