The Buffalo Sabres signed unrestricted free agent and former Washington Capitals right-wing Nicolas Aube-Kubel to a one-year contract that will carry a $1.5 million cap hit after the market opened at 12 noon ET on Monday.
Following clearing waivers in October, the 27-year-old recorded six goals, 16 points, and a .4178 five-on-five expected goals-for percentage in 60 NHL regular-season games. Aube-Kubel was a healthy scratch once in Washington’s first-round series loss to the New York Rangers, where he was held scoreless.
In 282 career regular-season games with Washington, the Philadelphia Flyers, Colorado Avalanche, and Toronto Maple Leafs, Aube-Kubel has earned 31 goals and 78 points. He has added two goals and three points (all during the 2020 tournament with Philadelphia) in 30 career postseason outings and won the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2022.
Washington claimed Aube-Kubel, who recorded 10 goals and 28 points in 107 games as a Capital, off of waivers from Toronto on November 5, 2022.
Buffalo acquired left-wing Beck Malenstyn, Aube-Kubel’s usual line mate last season, from Washington on Saturday in exchange for the 43rd overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft (defenseman Cole Hutson).
By Harrison Brown
