The New York Rangers made their final move ahead of the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline by acquiring forward from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for defenseman Erik Brannstrom. This trade is considered a minor league transaction, mainly aimed at strengthening the Hartford Wolf Pack as they prepare for the AHL playoffs.
Aube-Kubel, 28, has spent several years in the NHL after being drafted by the Flyers in the second round (48th overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft. This season, he has played 19 games for the Sabres, recording one goal and one assist. In the AHL with the Rochester Americans, he has tallied four goals and four assists in 12 games, with a plus-3 rating. Over his NHL career, Aube-Kubel has accumulated 32 goals and 48 assists for 80 points in 301 games with Buffalo, Washington, Toronto, Colorado, and Philadelphia. He’s known for his physical play, collecting 115 or more hits in each of his last four full NHL seasons. His best season came in 2021-22 when he set career highs with 11 goals, 12 assists, 23 points, and a plus-11 rating.
Aube-Kubel is also remembered by many for his time with the Colorado Avalanche, where he won the Stanley Cup in 2022. During the celebration, he famously dented the trophy while bringing it back to his teammates.
Rangers’ President and General Manager Chris Drury completed this deal alongside other moves, such as acquiring Carson Saucy from Vancouver, trading away Ryan Lindgren, and sending Rielly Smith to the Golden Knights for Brendan Brisson. Drury emphasized that the focus is now on how these new additions perform on the ice.
