Now in his fourth pro season after being selected by the Flyers in the second round (48th overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft, forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel has become a regular starter in the Flyers' lineup as the 2019-season has progressed.

The rookie has averaged 11:17 of ice time in 36 games, including periodic second power play unit and penalty killing duties. He played sparingly in nine early season NHL appearances in 2018-19.

Aube-Kubel's combination of speed, aggressive forechecking and physical play, along with his occasional offensive contributions, have been a boost to the Flyers' fourth line. He will celebrate his 24th birthday on May 10.

FIVE KEY FACTS

1) The Flyers recalled Aube-Kubel on Dec. 15, 2019. Before the call-up, he played in 26 AHL games this season for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (5g, 38a, 20 pim).

2) Aube-Kubel notched his first NHL point (an assist) on Dec. 15 in a 7-3 road loss in Winnipeg. He scored his first NHL goal on a late-game power play in the Flyers' 5-1 home win against the New York Rangers on Dec. 23. Overall to date, Aube-Kubel has chipped in seven goals and 15 points in 36 games.

3) Among all Flyers players who have appeared in 20 or more games this season, Aube-Kubel leads the team with an average of 12.1 credited hits per 60 minutes played. Overall, he has been credited with 82 hits in his 36 games.

4) Aube-Kubel is on the positive side of the individual Corsi (50.3 percent), Fenwick (53.1 percent), standard plus-minus (+1), power plays created vs. penalties taken ratio (9-to-5, +4), and takeaways-to-giveaways ratio (13-to-9).

5) The rookie posted a five-game point streak (2g, 3a) between Feb. 25 and March 5.

TOP HIGHLIGHTS

Video: PHI@CAR: Aube-Kubel sneaks wrister through Reimer

1) Jan. 7, 2020 @ CAR (14:27, 2nd period): Aube-Kubel started the Flyers comeback from a 4-2 deficit to the Hurricanes. Earning a point from the game at the end of a rough six-game road trip marked a baby step toward the Flyers' second-half surge.

Video: PHI@WSH: Aube-Kubel capitalizes on turnover in 3rd

Video: PHI@WSH: Aube-Kubel, Raffl connect for nice goal

2) Feb. 8, 2020 @ WSH: Amidst the Flyers' 7-2 blowout victory over the Capitals, Aube-Kubel became the first Flyers rookie since Eric Lindros (March 25, 1993) to record a Gordie Howe Hat Trick. First, NAK assisted on a Michael Raffl goal at 2:45 of the second period. At 2:58 of the third period, he potted a Michal Kempny turnover for his third goal of the season. Finally, at the 11:00 mark of the third period, Aube-Kubel dropped the gloves with Washington's Brendan Leipsic for his first NHL fight.

Video: PHI@CBJ: Aube-Kubel buries wrist shot on the rush

3) Feb. 20, 2020 @ CBJ (14:26 2nd period): Showing off his deceptive shot release, Aube-Kubel beat goaltender Elvis Merzlikins from high over the middle to narrow a 3-1 gap to a single goal. Aube-Kubel's goal was a major momentum changer, and the Flyers went on to earn a 4-3 overtime win.

THEY SAID IT

"Ever since we called him up, he's played better. It's my sense he's improving. We see the speed, the size the physicality, going into the tough areas. Can he put it all together and become an effective NHL player [on a sustained long-term basis]? Time will tell."

-- Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault, Feb. 21, 2020.

HE SAID IT

""Last year, I didn't really get a good chance to show what I could do. It was a different situation. There's a role for me here now, and I am getting an opportunity. I like playing physical, and I think I can also score, too."

-- Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Feb. 25, 2020.