Washington, D.C. – After over a year of speculation about acquiring a top-six forward, the Washington Capitals finally made a decisive move on Wednesday. They traded goaltender Darcy Kuemper to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for center Pierre-Luc Dubois, a 25-year-old player with a mix of talent and unpredictability who will be suiting up for his fourth team in five years.
Dubois, originally selected as the third overall pick in the 2016 draft by the Blue Jackets, spent his first few NHL seasons with Columbus before being traded to Winnipeg in January 2021. Following some offseason negotiations, he secured himself an eight-year contract with the Kings, valued at $8.5 million annually. Despite the significant deal, Dubois struggled to meet expectations during his inaugural season with Los Angeles.
The Capitals’ General Manager, Brian MacLellan, expressed excitement over bringing Dubois into the organization, highlighting the center’s potential to evolve into a top-tier player in the NHL. In a statement, MacLellan emphasized Dubois’ size, skills on the ice, exceptional skating ability, and high hockey IQ as factors that could lead to success in Washington.
The unexpected trade, completed less than two weeks before Dubois would gain a full no-movement clause, marked a strategic decision by the Capitals to shake up their roster. Meanwhile, Kuemper, 34, who had signed a substantial five-year, $26.25 million contract with the Capitals in July 2022, faced challenges in reclaiming his starting position amid strong competition from Charlie Lindgren.
If Dubois can fulfill his potential, he may address Washington’s longstanding need for a top-line center. However, his past behavior and performance raise questions about whether he will be able to consistently deliver on the ice. The Capitals’ coaching staff will play a crucial role in helping Dubois reach his peak performance levels.
Dubois’ tenure with previous teams ended on tumultuous notes, with conflicts and subpar performances leading to his departure from both the Blue Jackets and Winnipeg. Despite showing promise in his final season with the Jets, Dubois struggled to make a significant impact during his sole season with the Kings, falling short of expectations.
Nevertheless, the Capitals are banking on Dubois’ potential as a game-changer and are hopeful that they can unlock his true capabilities. The trade represents a calculated risk by Washington, one that could pay off significantly if Dubois can flourish in his new surroundings.