The Colorado Avalanche have some tough decisions looming in the offseason. After winning the Stanley Cup, it was clear that the Avalanche weren't going to be able to retain all of their talent. With Darcy Kuemper destined for free agency, the Avs have now made their decision on another one of its Cup winners. According to Peter Baugh, Nathan MacKinnon will watch another one of his teammates leave town, as the Avs have not extended a qualifying offer to Nicolas Aube-Kubel, meaning the right-winger will hit free agency.
It's not a wholly surprising move, given Aube-Kubel joined the Avs as a waiver claim during the regular season. Still, he exemplified the physical nature of the Avs' play style, never afraid to lay out his body on a forecheck.
Of course, Aube-Kubel will be remembered best (or worst) for stumbling with the Stanley Cup Trophy in his hands, and ultimately becoming the first player to ever dent the iconic trophy.
By letting Aube-Kubel hit free agency, the Avs will save roughly $1.125 million. It's not a ton of newfound cap space, but it's something, and if Colorado hopes to re-sign Nazem Kadri and Valeri Nichushkin, they'll need all the cap relief they can get.
Last season in Colorado, Aube-Kubel featured in 74 games. He registered 23 points on 11 goals and 12 assists, averaging just under 10 minutes on the ice per night. He had started the season in Philadelphia with the Flyers but only lasted 7 games before being let go by the franchise. In the end, the Alberta native got the last laugh, getting to get his first taste of Stanley Cup glory.
There's expected to be a decent market for Aube-Kubel in free agency, as various teams would be interested in the defensive-minded winger.