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Flyers Midseason Report Card: Nicolas Aube-Kubel needs a little more consistency

By Amanda Myers |
Mar 6, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Nicolas Aube-Kubel (62) skates with the puck as Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Jake Guentzel (59) chases during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Nicolas Aube-Kubel (62) skates with the puck as Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Jake Guentzel (59) chases during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Flyers right winger, Nicolas Aube-Kubel, finally nailed a full time role in the NHL this season. After having plenty of playing time in the AHL, and multiple opportunities for the Flyers, he was able to earn himself a full time spot on the roster. A player that we have seen a lot from in previous games last season, and who we know has the potential, but doesn’t always step up and show it.

The 24 year old was originally selected by the Flyers in the 2nd round in the 2014 NHL Draft, and was the first forward to be drafted under Ron Hextall for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Nicolas Aube-Kubel made his NHL debut during the first half of the 2018-19 season. Unfortunately, he didn’t make enough noise to stay there and went through the waivers before being assigned back to the Phantoms. It wasn’t until December of 2019 that the team recalled him to the NHL.

Last season, before it was ultimately stopped due to the pandemic, NAK had racked up 18 points in 49 games, 9 goals and 9 assists. He was even coming off a five-game point streak, 2 goals and 3 assists, right before the halt.

His first goal of the season came against Buffalo on January 18th when he was the only one to score for the Flyers to keep them from being shutout in 6-1 loss. His second goal came in the Flyers first game back after taking an 11 day hiatus due to covid protocols. In another game loss for the Flyers, NAK opened the scoring for the Flyers in a shootout loss to the Rangers.

Already half way through the shortened season, he only has seven points under his belt in the form of two goals and five assists. While the numbers are keeping in line with last season, the actions of NAK himself have not. Known as one to light a fire under the other team, his flame has been kind of dull.

Aside from the two goals and the fight against Penguin Connor Clifton, Aube-Kubel has not been making headlines. While he has a lot of playing time on the ice, he hasn’t helped improve their shot differential or their forechecking problem, which we know he can do very well.

Philadelphia Flyers. NICOLAS AUBE-KUBEL. B-. . F

Aube- Kubel is one that is always known to bring the physicality, which we all know they need more of. He is a feisty winger with high energy and is definitely an effective bottom six winger when he puts his mind to it. We have seen him be lethal and know he has the offensive skill set to be a pest to other teams.

I do believe Aube-Kubel has true potential, and we’ve all seen it time and time again. It just seems like even he forgets he has it sometimes. I believe Nicolas Aube-Kubel can easily work his way up in the Flyers lineup, he just needs to bring the heat more consistently.

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