The Los Angeles Kings traded Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Washington Capitals on Wednesday. This move came just one year after Los Angeles acquired Dubois in a sign-and-trade with the Winnipeg Jets. Things did not work out for the Quebec native in California this past season. And general manager Rob Blake is taking some responsibility for that.
Blake addressed the media following Wednesday's trade. Dubois failed to live up to expectations after signing an eight-year contract last summer. And the Kings general manager told reporters that he could have done more to ensure the Quebec native fit in with the team better.
“Well, I don’t think I did a good enough job of integrating him in the right roles on the team here this year,” Blake told reporters, via NHL.com, on Wednesday afternoon. “You know, I think it wasn’t a great fit in that aspect for us, and we’ll take responsibility for that.”
Pierre-Luc Dubois traded once again
This is far from the first time Dubois has been traded. In fact, his move from Winnipeg to Los Angeles last summer wasn't even the first time. We have to go all the way back to 2021 to find his first trade. Dubois debuted in the NHL back in 2017-18 with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He broke out in his sophomore season, scoring 61 points in 2018-19.
However, things began to unravel. Dubois was unhappy with the Blue Jackets, and expressed to management that he wanted a trade. Things came to a head rather publicly in January 2021. The Quebec native put in a lackadaisical effort during a game against the Tampa Bay Lighnting. Then-head coach John Tortorella benched Dubois due to his lack of effort.
A few days later, Dubois received his desired trade. Columbus sent him to the Winnipeg Jets along with a third-round pick. In exchange, the Blue Jackets acquired forwards Jack Roslovic and Patrik Laine. Dubois spent the next two and a half seasons in Winnipeg before his trade to the Kings last summer.
Now, the Capitals will try and revive his career for a third time. There is some hope that he can bounceback, and he is only 25 years old. It'll certainly be interesting to see if Washington can make it work with the Quebec native moving forward.
Kings add a familiar face
In return for Pierre-Luc Dubois, Los Angeles added a familiar face to the organization. The Kings acquired goaltender Darcy Kuemper from the Capitals on Wednesday. Kuemper struggled mightily with Washington last season. But he play well during his first stint with the Kings where he posted a .932 save percentage in 19 games.
“I think the goaltender in return, obviously with Darcy, familiarity with him, our goalie department understanding him and having a relationship with him,” Blake said, via NHL.com. “I think the duo with him and David (Rittich) can help stabilize that position here for a few years.”
Los Angeles had success banking on a resurgence in goal last season. Veteran Cam Talbot struggled with the Ottawa Senators in 2022-23, but played well for the Kings this past season. Additionally, David Rittich had a successful season backing up Talbot. Rittich is under contract through the 2024-25 season, while Talbot is a free agent on July 1.
The Kings believe Kuemper can be of service to them in 2024-25 as they look to contend for the playoffs again. Whether that happens obviously remains to be seen. Overall, though, Los Angeles had rid themselves of a poorly-aged Pierre-Luc Dubois contract. Now, both sides can move forward in the most amicable manner possible.
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