Dubois, the No. 3 overall pick by the Blue Jackets in the 2016 draft, spent the first three-plus years of his NHL career in Columbus before being traded to Winnipeg in January 2021. Dubois then used his leverage as a pending restricted free agent, after making it clear he didn’t see a long-term future for himself in Winnipeg, to work a trade to the Kings last summer, a sign-and-trade move that earned Dubois an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $8.5 million.
His first season with the Kings came well short of expectations and his name was floated in recent weeks as a potential candidate for a buyout when the window opens after the Stanley Cup finals conclude. Instead, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound Dubois was traded to Washington less than two weeks before his full no-movement clause would’ve kicked in July 1.
“We are thrilled to announce the addition of Pierre-Luc to the Caps organization,” Washington General Manager Brian MacLellan said in a statement. “This acquisition brings in a talented 25-year-old with immense potential to become a top-tier center in the NHL. With his size, exceptional skating, and high hockey IQ, we are confident he will thrive in our organization with increased responsibility and opportunity.
“We also thank Darcy for his valuable contributions to our organization on and off the ice and wish him the best in Los Angeles. After witnessing Charlie Lindgren’s performance last season, we believe he deserves a chance to play a more significant role within our team.”
Kuemper, 34, whom the Capitals signed to a five-year, $26.25 million contract in July 2022, lost his starting role to Lindgren midway through last season and it didn’t appear that there was a path for him back to being the No. 1 netminder in Washington. With three years remaining on the contract, it was likely going to be a difficult one to move for the Capitals without retaining salary — or taking a gamble on the player they got in return, as they did with Dubois.
If Dubois hits his ceiling, he could be the answer to Washington’s quest for a top-line center. He has sought-after size and is a highly skilled player, but his track record over the past few seasons suggests that unlocking his full potential will be a task for Spencer Carbery and the Capitals’ coaching staff.
The end of Dubois’s tenure with the Blue Jackets turned ugly. His disinterest on one shift against the Tampa Bay Lightning led to him being benched by then-coach John Tortorella and traded two days later, and it wasn’t a much prettier ending in Winnipeg as he forced his way out the door.
On the ice, Dubois hit a high-water mark in his final year with the Jets, recording 63 points in 73 games, but his first — and now only — season in Los Angeles didn’t go according to anyone’s plan. He slid down the lineup throughout the season, ultimately playing less than 16 minutes each night and recording 40 points in 82 games.
But when Dubois is engaged and at his best, he can be a difference-maker, and the Capitals are taking the bet that they’ll be able to get him to that point.
