Rangers Gave Nicolas Aube-Kubel A Chance Due To ‘Expereince’

Nicolas Aube-Kubel made his New York Rangers debut on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Kings. 

The Rangers acquired him from the Buffalo Sabres just hours before the NHL Trade Deadline on Mar. 7. 

When Aube-Kubel was acquired, it was believed that he could be a factor as a depth piece down the stretch.

With Sam Carrick out of the lineup on Tuesday night for personal reasons, Peter Laviolette decided to give the 28-year-old a chance due to his experience according to Larry Brooks of The New York Post. 

Laviolette also coached Aube-Kubel with the Washington Capitals, so he's familiar with his game.

“He brings certain elements on a certain line,” Laviolette said of Aube-Kubel, via Brooks. “He’s a straight-line player. He’s physical. He can score a goal and he could shoot a puck. Heavy, strong, and good when he was with us in Washington for a little bit.”

Aube-Kubel took 10 total shifts while recording 5:21 minutes in the Rangers’ 3-1 loss to the Kings. 

It’s unclear if the Rangers will send Aube-Kubel back down to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League once Carrick returns to the team.