Former Maple Leafs Forward Surprisingly Lands on Waivers Ahead of Season Opener

With waivers already heating up as the regular season gets started shortly, it was a bit of a surprise to see former Leafs forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel among the names.

Those placed there Sunday have since cleared, which leads way for the Minnesota Wild to send him down to the AHL after clearing on Tuesday if no one puts in a claim first.

He joins the likes of Jordan Oesterle and Derrick Pouliot who also added to the list on Monday.

It's a bit surprising to see Minnesota give up on him after he had some promise as part of the team's depth plans.

Aube-Kubel was drafted 48th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2014 and has 80 points in 304 career games (32 goals, 48 assists).

He spent one season in Toronto only playing six games with the team and registering no points; the 7-year veteran has spent time with the Flyers, Avalanche, Rangers, Maple Leafs, Capitals and Sabres.

He also won a Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2021-22, registering no points and a plus-2 in 14 games.

While Minnesota is more than likely just going to bring him in as forward depth from the AHL, he does have a ton of experience in the NHL and can offer a physical presence while chipping in on offense.

Teams will have 24 hours to claim Aube-Kubel before he clears and Minnesota decides his future going forward.