The LA Kings pulled off a blockbuster trade on Tuesday that saw them land center Pierre-Luc Dubois from the Winnipeg Jets. As part of the move, Dubois also agreed to an eight-year, $68 million extension with the Kings.
Dubois was set to become a restricted free agent this summer and didn’t have any intentions to remain with the Jets. The 25-year-old even asked to be traded earlier this month.
The Kings saw an opportunity to get a top player and swooped in, sending forwards Alex Iafallo, Rasmus Kupari, and Gabriel Vilardi alongside a second-round draft pick in 2024 to the Jets. This was a small price to pay for a player that immediately makes the entire team better.
“Pierre-Luc Dubois is an elite two-way center with a unique skill set, and we’re excited to have him join the organization and commit to us long-term,” said Kings general manager Rob Blake in a statement. “Over the last few seasons, he has proven the ability to contribute to all facets of the game, and we are thrilled to be able to add a player of this caliber into our lineup.”
Pierre-Luc Dubois is coming off a strong campaign that saw him have career-high 63 points in 73 games. The Quebec native has a total of 302 points (120 goals and 173 assists) since making his debut in 2017–18.
