Pierre-Luc Dubois, a talented forward, has been traded to the Washington Capitals from the LA Kings in exchange for goaltender Darcy Kuemper. This move marks Dubois’ fourth NHL team as he looks to bring his offensive skills and physical presence to the Capitals’ lineup.
Key Takeaways:
- Pierre-Luc Dubois has played for four NHL teams: Columbus Blue Jackets, Winnipeg Jets, LA Kings, and now the Washington Capitals.
- Dubois has a mix of high offensive potential and physical prowess but has struggled with team chemistry in the past.
- The Capitals are betting on Dubois to inject energy and offensive skills into their lineup as they strive for playoff contention.
Pierre-Luc Dubois’s Journey from Draft to Trade Request
Dubois, from Quebec, was picked 3rd overall in the 2016 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Dubois was drafted on his 18th birthday and started strong in the 2017-18 season, scoring 20 goals and making 28 assists.
He made a big impact with four game-winning goals, an overtime winner, and four playoff points in his first season.
Dubois worked well with teammates Artemi Panarin and Josh Anderson, scoring 61 points in the 2018-19 season and continuing his good form in the disrupted 2019-20 season.
However, in the 2020-21 season, Dubois requested a trade, wanting to match his professional goals with his personal ones.
Dubois’s Trade to Winnipeg Jets and Return to Form
In January 2021, Dubois was traded to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for Patrick Laine, Jack Roslovic, and a third-round draft pick.
His initial adjustment saw him score 20 points in 41 games. The following two seasons marked a return to form, with Dubois scoring at least 60 points each season, showing his offensive skills and physical attributes.
Dubois’s Struggles with the LA Kings in 2023
Dubois joined the LA Kings in 2023, expressing excitement about the move. Despite his enthusiasm, his performance did not meet expectations, with only 16 goals and 24 assists in the regular season and a single playoff goal.
The Kings’ GM admitted that Dubois did not fit well with the team, and frequent lineup changes hindered his ability to develop chemistry with his teammates.
Dubois’s Fresh Start with the Capitals
As Dubois enters his 8th NHL season with the Capitals, he brings with him a no-movement clause and a substantial $8.5M cap hit.
He honors his late teammate Matiss Kivlenieks by wearing #80 and sports tattoos, paying tribute to his family. Dubois aims to find stability and chemistry with the Capitals, hoping to significantly contribute to the team’s offensive and defensive plays.
His excitement to join Washington is palpable, fueled by the prospect of playing alongside legendary goal scorer Alex Ovechkin and reuniting with former teammate Dylan Strome.
The Capitals, who averaged 2.63 goals per game last season, see immense potential in Dubois.
With his size, skating ability, and high hockey IQ, they believe Dubois can become a top-tier center and help them remain in playoff contention.
Pierre-Luc Dubois’s journey with the Capitals is just beginning. With a fresh start and a supportive environment, he has the opportunity to reach new heights in his career.
Capitals fans eagerly await seeing Dubois rock the red and bring his dynamic play to the Capital One Arena, hoping he will be the key to their future success.
