For months, NHL insiders thought it was inevitable that Pierre-Luc Dubois would end up with the Montreal Canadiens. Seemingly the only team on his radar, the forward was reportedly using whatever leverage he had to force his way to the Habs in a trade or sign his next contract in a way that would allow him to pick up Montreal as a free agent. This may not be the case anymore.
There are indications that the Winnipeg Jets and Pat Brisson, agent Pierre-Luc Dubois, are teaming up to facilitate the trade. According to fourth-term David Pagnotta, multiple teams are involved in discussions, further complicating the situation. Dubois’ final destination would likely affect the terms of any new contract.
During the previous season, Dubois played in 73 games, scoring 27 goals and 63 points. As a restricted free agent, he is expected to receive a contract extension that will pay him handsomely for this production. It won’t be in Winnipeg As The Athletic’s Eric Stephens reports, Dubois has told the Winnipeg Jets he has no intention of signing a new deal, not even a short-term agreement leading to unrestricted free agency in 2024.
While the Montreal Canadiens have been engaged in talks with the Jets regarding DuBois, Winnipeg Sun’s Scott Bellick notes that the prospect of a trade to Montreal is waning. On the other hand, momentum seems to be building around discussions involving the Los Angeles Kings.
Sportsnet’s Elliott Friedman mentioned in his 32-Clue podcast that the Kings had emerged as competitors in Dubois’ trade talks. It is worth noting that the Kings made an earlier attempt to acquire Dubois when he was traded from Columbus to Winnipeg. The Canadiens are reportedly reluctant to match the contract offer the Kings are preparing to make, which could exceed $9.15 million per season. DuBois is seeking a deal within the range of Dylan Larkin’s contract, which is $8.75 million a season, according to Friedman.
If the Kings offer the most attractive package to acquire Dubois, Ken Webby from Sportsnet He indicates that either Quinton Byfield or Gabe Velarde are likely to be the focus of the trade, potentially accompanied by right-handed defender Shaun Dorsey.
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