Oct 15, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Nicolas Aube-Kubel (96) battles in front of the net with Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot (72) during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
The Toronto Maple Leafs signed Nicolas Aube-Kubel, seeing a bit-player on a Cup Winning team with more to give.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, however, do not just give away spots in the lineup, even to free-agents they recruit and sign. In fact, their entire strategy for team building is to acquire as many cheap players with upside as they can, pit them against each other, and hope the competition provides a diamond in the rough.