Dubois was traded to the Capitals by the Kings in trade for Kuemper
Pierre-Luc Dubois was traded to the Washington Capitals by the Los Angeles Kings for goaltender Darcy Kuemper on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old scored 40 factors (16 objectives, 24 assists) in 82 regular-season video games for the Kings this season and one purpose in 5 Stanley Cup playoff video games. Los Angeles (44-27-11) was eradicated by the Edmonton Oilers within the Western Convention first spherical.
Dubois was traded to the Kings by the Winnipeg Jets on June 27, 2023, and instantly signed an eight-year, $68 million contract (common annual worth of $8.5 million) that runs via the 2030–31 season.
“Effectively, I do not assume I’ve achieved a ok job of integrating him into the fitting roles on the staff right here this yr,” Los Angeles common supervisor Rob Blake mentioned. “You realize, I believe it wasn’t proper for us in that side, and we’ll take accountability for that.”
Dubois was chosen by the Columbus Blue Jackets with the No. 3 choose within the 2016 NHL Draft, and has 342 factors (145 objectives, 197 assists) in 516 video games with the Kings, Jets and Blue Jackets and 27 factors (11 objectives, 16 assists) in 43 playoff video games.
Kuemper was 13-14-3 with a 3.31 goals-against common, an .890 save proportion and one shutout in 33 video games (30 begins) for the Capitals this season. The 34-year-old was Charlie Lindgren’s backup because the New York Rangers swept Washington (40-31-11) in 4 straight video games within the first spherical of the Jap Convention.
This might be Kuimper’s second stint with Los Angeles. He went 10-1-3 with a 2.10 GAA and .932 save proportion in 19 video games (15 begins) in the course of the 2017-18 season. He’s anticipated to work alongside David Rittich subsequent season.
“I believe the goalie, however, is clearly accustomed to Darcy, and our goalie division understands him and has a relationship with him,” Blake mentioned. “I believe the duo with him and David will help stabilize this place right here for a number of years, which continues our progress with (Eric) Portillo within the American (Hockey) League. We have seen some good issues from him this yr, however we additionally count on two or three years to go.” means, so I believe this helps clear up the issue right here for us.
Chosen by the Minnesota Wild within the sixth spherical (No. 161) of the 2009 NHL Draft, Kuemper is 178-135-46 with a 2.61 GAA, a .914 save proportion and 31 shutouts in 389 video games (368 begins) with the Capitals, Colorado Avalanche, Arizona Coyotes, Kings and Wild. He’s 17-10 with a 2.72 GAA, .908 save proportion and two shutouts in 34 playoff video games (30 begins).
Kuemper has three seasons remaining on the five-year, $26.25 million ($5.25 million AAV) contract he signed with Washington on July 13, 2022.
“We’re happy to announce the addition of Pierre Luc to the Capitals group,” mentioned Brian McLellan, Capitals common supervisor. “This acquisition brings a gifted 25-year-old with great potential to grow to be a top-tier middle within the NHL. Along with his dimension, distinctive skating and excessive hockey IQ, we’re assured he’ll thrive in our group with elevated accountability and alternative.”
“We additionally thank Darcy for his invaluable contributions to our group on and off the ice and need him the most effective in Los Angeles. After witnessing Charlie Lindgren’s efficiency final season, we consider he deserves the chance to play a extra important position inside our staff.”
NHL.com freelance reporter Dan Greenspan contributed to this report
