Former champion who damaged Stanley Cup is reportedly leaving the NHL for the KHL

Reports indicate Aube-Kubel is closing in on a deal with Dinamo Minsk of the KHL, capping off a summer that started with him signing on with Winners Hockey Agency, a group known for representing players who eventually make the jump to Europe.

That connection now looks like it was a sign of things to come.

The 30 year old winger has bounced around the league in recent years, most recently finishing out his contract with the Minnesota Wild organization, splitting time between the NHL club and its AHL affiliate in Iowa.

Before that stop, he built a reputation as a gritty, physical forward who could chip in offensively when given the opportunity, something he showed during a strong stretch with the Washington Capitals a couple seasons back.

Its easy to forget just how big a moment Aube-Kubel had in 2022.

He was part of the Colorado Avalanche team that ended a 21 year championship drought, even if he is better remembered by some fans for accidentally denting the Cup itself during the celebration.

That memory still gets brought up every summer, but it hasnt been enough to keep NHL teams lining up for his services this offseason.

Aube-Kubel is far from the first NHL veteran to look east when the phone stops ringing at home.

Bigger contracts, prominent roles and a fresh start are proving hard to pass up for players on the wrong side of 30 who no longer fit tight NHL budgets.

If it goes through, he will be the latest name on a growing list of familiar faces choosing the KHL over an uncertain NHL future.

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