Nicolas Aube-Kubel, the veteran forward perhaps most famously remembered for dropping the Stanley Cup during the Colorado Avalanche’s 2022 celebration, is officially leaving the NHL. He’s agreed to terms with Dinamo Minsk of the Kontinental Hockey League through May 2027, a move that pretty much signals his NHL career is wrapped up, at least for now.
That Unforgettable Cup Moment
For Colorado Avalanche fans, Aube-Kubel’s legacy will always be tied to that incredible 2022 Stanley Cup championship run. And yeah, let’s be real, it’s also tied to that one moment, isn’t it? You know the one. During their epic celebration, he famously tripped and accidentally dent-d hockey’s most iconic trophy. It was a wild, unforgettable sight, right? Jokes aside, NAK played a seriously important role in getting the Avs to the top, even if the post-win party went a little off the rails for a second.
His Grindy Journey to the Top
Aube-Kubel’s path to the Cup wasn’t some golden highway. The Philadelphia Flyers picked him in the second round of the 2014 NHL Draft, and he spent a significant chunk of his early professional career grinding it out in the American Hockey League before finally locking in as an NHL regular. He racked up 310 regular-season NHL games across seven different teams: the Flyers, Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers, and Minnesota Wild. Over that span, he put up 32 goals and 50 assists for a total of 82 points. But his stint in Colorado during the 2021-22 season? That was arguably his finest work, hitting career highs with 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points in 67 games. That was his offensive peak, no doubt, and it came exactly when the Avs needed that extra punch to become champions.
More Than Just the Numbers
During that incredible Avalanche postseason run, Aube-Kubel was right there, appearing in 14 games and chipping in with one assist as they ultimately defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning to grab the franchise’s third championship. His playoff totals weren’t exactly screaming “superstar” , just two goals and one assist for three points across 30 career playoff games. But let’s be super clear: his game was never about being a superstar. Aube-Kubel carved out his niche through sheer physicality, relentless competitiveness, and a knack for contributing effectively in a bottom-six role. He put in the hard yards to reach the absolute highest stage in hockey. And now, with a Stanley Cup ring and 310 NHL games stamped on his résumé, Aube-Kubel is ready to start a whole new chapter overseas.
So yeah, it might be the official end of his NHL story, but you can bet Colorado Avalanche fans will always, always have those unforgettable memories from 2022. Especially that wild image of Aube-Kubel lifting the Stanley Cup, right before, well, you know. He’s off to Dinamo Minsk now, through May 2027 , a new adventure awaits a true NHL champion who definitely left his mark, literally.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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