Capitals' Kuemper, Aube-Kubel get Stanley Cup rings, visit from old team

WASHINGTON - The wait was worth it for Darcy Kuemper and Nicolas Aube-Kubel.

The Washington Capitals goalie and forward were all smiles when they received their 2022 Stanley Cup rings from the Colorado Avalanche after their game at Capital One Arena on Saturday.
"I was really happy to see the guys again, to see my friends there, see the staff, talk to them and of course the ring and the whole video was really special," Aube-Kubel said. "To have that super-nice hardware, special diamond is something every hockey player dreams of."
Kuemper and Aube-Kubel were reunited with their former teammates, coaches and staff in the visiting locker room following Colorado's 4-0 victory and exchanged some hugs before sitting down at a table where their ring boxes awaited. Opening the burgundy boxes revealed a small video screen inside the lid, which showed highlights from Colorado's championship run last season.
"I think that might have been the coolest part, to be honest," Kuemper said. "Just kind of opening that up and watching and reliving those moments on the ice right after we won. So that was pretty special."
The Avalanche players stood in silence while Kuemper and Aube-Kubel watched the videos and then applauded when Kuemper and Aube-Kubel removed the rings and placed them on their fingers.

The players stared in awe at the 14-karat white gold rings set with diamonds, rubies and sapphires.
Kuemper and Aube-Kubel each said they tried to avoid photos of the rings to maintain the surprise when they received theirs. But Aube-Kubel said he saw some pictures on social media anyway and talked to some of the Avalanche players after they received their rings at a private ceremony before the start of the regular season.
Kuemper was 37-12-4 with a 2.54 goals-against average, .921 save percentage and five shutouts in 57 regular-season games and 10-4 with a 2.57 GAA and .902 save percentage in 16 Stanley Cup Playoff games to help Colorado win the Cup last season for the first time since 2001. The 32-year-old signed a five-year, $26.25 million contract with Washington as unrestricted free agent on July 13.
Aube-Kubel had 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) 67 regular-season games and no points in 14 playoff games with the Avalanche last season. After signing a one-year, $1 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 13, Aube-Kubel was claimed off waivers by Washington on Nov. 5.
"Oh, you have to show it off," Aube-Kubel said. "(I'll wear it) probably in my hometown, in bars, at the golf course."
"It was really special," said Kuemper. "It's kind of a keepsake that you'll have forever and remind you of that special year and, yeah, it's awesome."