I’ve heard that people like to do some name-dropping, but is it a lucky omen to sign a Stanley Cup-dropping forward to your team?
Related: Ilya Samsonov & the Maple Leafs: Any Chance For a New Goalie?
Until this morning, most NHL and Toronto Maple Leafs’ fans probably only know the name Nicolas Aube-Kubel because he’s the Colorado Avalanche player who dropped and dented the Stanley Cup while they were taking a team photo.
signed on for one year with the Maple Leafs [2021-22 Upper Deck Card]
The Story of the Stanley Cup Hitting the Ice
The story is that Aube-Kubel was skating with the Cup; but, just prior to the team photo while the Avalanche players were setting up, Aube-Kubel dropped the Cup on the ice. It isn’t the first time that’s happened to the Cup. It also was not the first time that the Stanley Cup has been dented, but it had to be embarrassing.
If you’re a Maple Leafs’ fan, is that a good thing or a bad thing? You have to be hoping that the Alberta-born Aube-Kubel has another chance to drop the Stanley Cup again this coming postseason. Now he has the chance. After the season, the Avalanche didn’t give Aube-Kubel a qualifying offer. That made him a free agent as of today, and it didn’t take long for the Maple Leafs to jump in with a pen.
Didn’t Take Long for the Maple to Sign Aube-Kubel for the 2022-23 Season
Earlier today, the Maple Leafs reported that they had signed Aube-Kubel to a one-year contract valued at exactly $1 million. During the 2021-22 season, the 25-year-old, 5-foot-11, 187-pound forward scored 11 goals and added 11 assists (for 22 points) in 67 games.
Aube-Kubel will become a bottom-six forward for the Maple Leafs. Let’s hope he gets another chance to drop the Cup.
Related: Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Samsonov, Moldenhauer & Sateri