Speculation surrounding Winnipeg centre Pierre-Luc Dubois has ramped up in recent days. Multiple reports have connected the soon-to-be ex-Jets forward to the Los Angeles Kings, who are in a competitive window and could use an in-his-prime centre to keep up in the Pacific Division.
“There’s definitely traction. There’s definitely movement,” Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said on the latest episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast. “I think one of the most interesting things here is (whether) Dubois signs an eight-year deal or he signs a one-year deal to get L.A. through this season of cap gymnastics and then extends. … I don’t know if he’s going to sign the big deal right away.”
Dubois, who turned 25 over the weekend, is coming off a career-high 63-point season — 52 of which came in his first 52 games. His production rate slowed after the all-star break (11 points in 21 games), coinciding with the Jets’ tumble down the standings.
Overall, though, Dubois performed like a top-flight power forward. He made things happen with the puck, averaging 9.19 offence-generating plays per 20 minutes at 5-on-5 last season. That ranked 13th out of 503 forwards who played at least 100 minutes. (Offence-generating plays are those that lead to scoring chances, such as passes to and shots from the slot.)
In particular, Dubois excelled at setting up his teammates for high-percentage opportunities, completing 1.93 slot passes per 20 at 5-on-5 (12th among qualified forwards).
The 6-foot-4, 214-pound Dubois is fleet-footed as well, finishing tied for 35th among qualified forwards with 4.5 offensive-zone carry-ins per 20 at 5-on-5. He also has some of the quickest hands in the league, as evidenced by his 3.75 successful dekes per 20 at 5-on-5 (18th).
Players with Dubois’ combination of size, speed and skill do not come available often (though his next team will be his third since entering the NHL in 2017-18 with the Columbus Blue Jackets). If Dubois ends up in Los Angeles, he will join Anze Kopitar and Phillip Danault down the middle of the Kings’ lineup, which would pose plenty of matchup problems for opponents. Kopitar, who will be 36 when next season starts, is entering the final year of his $80 million contract, so Dubois could eventually replace him as the Kings’ top centre.
Friedman previously reported that Dubois, a restricted free agent, is seeking a cap hit somewhere between Dylan Larkin’s $8.7 million per season and Mathew Barzal’s $9.15 million on a long-term contract. Things would be tight cap-wise for the Kings in 2023-24 if Dubois signs for that much, but they can make it work.
Dubois reportedly attended the NHL Draft last summer in Montreal because he expected to be traded at the event. Could it finally happen this week in Nashville? Stay tuned.
