New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced in the final hour of the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline that the team has acquired forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for defenseman Erik Brannstrom.
As previously reported by Blue Line Station, this move is primarily a minor league transaction, aimed at strengthening the Hartford Wolf Pack roster ahead of the upcoming AHL playoffs.
#NYR have acquired forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel from Buffalo in exchange for Erik Brannstrom. pic.twitter.com/GtqKL6PRWc
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 7, 2025
Who is Nicolas Aube-Kubel?
Aube-Kubel, 28, has been in the NHL for several years after being selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round (48th overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft.
This season, he has appeared in 19 games for Buffalo, tallying two points (one goal, one assist). In the AHL with the Rochester Americans, he has recorded four goals and four assists in 12 games, with a plus-3 rating.
The Slave Lake, Alberta native has played 301 career NHL games with Buffalo, Washington, Toronto, Colorado, and Philadelphia, amassing 80 points (32 goals, 48 assists). Known for his physical play, he has registered at least 115 hits in each of his last four full NHL seasons. His best statistical year came in 2021-22 when he set career highs with 11 goals, 12 assists, 23 points, and a +11 rating.
Fans may remember Aube-Kubel from the 2022 Stanley Cup-winning Colorado Avalanche, where he famously dented the trophy while bringing it back to his teammates.
Welcome, Nicolas! pic.twitter.com/PJiSOcbWrW
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 7, 2025
This was Drury’s final move before the trade deadline. The Rangers also acquired Carson Soucy from Vancouver after trading defenseman Ryan Lindgren and sent Reilly Smith to the Golden Knights in exchange for Brendan Brisson.
Drury emphasized that while he made key roster moves, it’s now up to the players to deliver on the ice.
“I wanted to make some changes over the past few days to show the team that their style of play is what’s needed every night. I believe in this group and think we have enough talent to push forward. I’m happy I could make some additions for them, but now they have to take control and win games. As [Peter Laviolette] keeps saying, collect points along the way, and we’ll do our best to make a strong push.”