During the World Junior Summer Showcase, Aube-Kubel lined up for much of two games on the left wing. His linemates included fellow Flyers draftee Travis Konecny and his current teammate, 2016 draft eligible Julien Gauthier. Through two games at left wing during the Showcase, Aube-Kubel earned three assists and looked to fit in nicely.
If Aube-Kubel is able to play left wing, that would dramatically help his stock within the Flyers prospect pool. Right now, as left wing prospects go, the only guy who seems to have top six promise is Swedish prospect Oskar Lindblom. After Lindblom, the only left wing prospects who seem to have a shot at the NHL are Taylor Leier and Radel Fazleev (who also plays center). At the NHL level, the Flyers are not exceptionally deep at left wing either.
The right side is a different story for the organization. The Flyers have Jakub Voracek and Wayne Simmonds locked up for the foreseeable future. Brayden Schenn has shown that he can be effective at right wing, and if Sam Gagner does not play his natural center position this season, he will likely start on the right side. In terms of prospects, Aube-Kubel is now playing second fiddle to Travis Konecny. He also has prospects with high-end upside like David Kase and Cooper Marody breathing down his neck.
Switching over to left wing would also help Aube-Kubel’s junior team, Val D’Or. The team looks to have little depth at left wing heading into next season. At right wing, however, they have a projected first round talent in Julien Gauthier. Gauthier, a 6’4″, 221lbs right winger had 73 points (38G, 35A) in 68b games last season. Instead of having to compete for playing time and a spot on the top line, it would be helpful for the Foreurs to be able to roll out a line with both Aube-Kubel and Gauthier.
He's the only one with a contract last I checked. There is quite the gap at the moment.
