Nicolas Aube-Kubel THW Close-Up:
Date of birth: 5/10/1996
Place of birth: Slave Lake, AB, CAN
Ht: 5’11” Wt: 179 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: C
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2014
Twitter: @AubeKubel16
THW The Next Ones Rankings (January 2014): 84
Other Rankings:
THW War Room Rankings (April): 108
Future Considerations: not ranked
Craig Button: not ranked
CS Final Rankings for North American skaters: 40
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Nicolas Aube-Kubel’s game is built for speed. He’s only 5’11” but motors around the rink and plays the game fast. It’s difficult for defenseman to contain him because after a few explosive strides he’s already past them. He had an average rookie season with the Foreurs last year, but was able to play a more offensive role and lead the team to the Memorial Cup playoffs.
He has a pronounced defensive game in which he’s positionally sound and is relentless of the forecheck and backcheck – being fast makes it easy for him to get back into the play. For his skill, his stickhandling, and his trigger happy release, I’d like to see Aube-Kubel be more consistent offensively. He certainly has the tools to make it in the NHL as a scorer, checking line center, or two-way forward.
Where Will He End Up In June:
Aube-Kubel could go as high as the 2nd or 3rd round or might fall to the later rounds of the draft. I’d say he’s taken off the board by the 4th round though.
Scout’s Honor:
“Hard working forward with excellent energy level .. keeps his feet moving in all three zones .. skates fairly quickly after his first few strides but improved strength would help him as his mechanics are solid .. gives a strong effort in the defensive zone, always looking to put pressure on the puck-carrier .. turns are precise and tight, enabling him to further pressure the puck-carrier .. has to learn to play the angles better to make himself bigger and cut down on passing lanes .. not overly creative but understands the importance of making quick decisions with the puck .. gutsy forward who goes in the dirty areas to score goals .. will have to gain a good deal of strength .. tries to do too much when the games are important and will have to show some patience.”
Statistics:
Bio/Interview(s)/Links:
Profile on Last Word On Sports
International Tournaments:
Nicolas Aube-Kubel played for Team Quebec at the U17 World Hockey Championships.
ETA:
3-4 years
Risk/Reward Analysis:
Risk: 3/5 Reward: 3/5
NHL Potential:
2nd line tw0-way center or checking line center that can get PK time
Strengths:
Speed
Stickhandling
Wrist shot
Defensive awareness
Forecheck/Backcheck
Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:
Filling out his frame
Inconsistency on offense
Fantasy Hockey Potential:
Offensive: 5/10 Defensive: 5/10
NHL Player Comparison:
– NHL comparison: Adam Henrique
Video(s):
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THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph
Follow Shawn on Twitter: @ShawnTHW