Pierre-Luc Dubois was traded to the Capitals. Darcy Kuemper was despatched to the Los Angeles Kings
Dubois, the third decide of the 2016 draft by the Blue Jackets, spent the primary three seasons of his NHL profession with Columbus earlier than being traded to Winnipeg in January 2021. Dubois then used his leverage as a pending restricted free agent, after a transfer that clearly did not see a long-term future. For himself in Winnipeg, working in a commerce with the Kings final summer season, a transfer that netted Dubois an eight-year contract with a mean annual worth of $8.5 million.
His first season with the Kings fell properly in need of expectations, and his identify has been floated in current weeks as a buyout candidate when the window opens after the Stanley Cup Finals. As a substitute, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound Dubois was traded to Washington lower than two weeks earlier than his full no-motion clause took impact on July 1.
“We’re happy to announce the addition of Pierre-Luc to the Cubs group,” Washington normal supervisor Brian McClellan mentioned in an announcement. “This acquisition brings a gifted 25-year-old with large potential to change into a top-tier middle within the NHL. Along with his dimension, distinctive skating abilities, and excessive hockey IQ, we’re assured he’ll thrive in our group with elevated duty and alternative.”
“We additionally thank Darcy for his invaluable contributions to our group on and off the ice and need him the very best in Los Angeles. After witnessing Charlie Lindgren’s efficiency final season, we consider he deserves the chance to play a extra vital position inside our crew.
Kuemper, 34, who the Capitals signed to a five-year, $26.25 million contract in July 2022, misplaced his beginning position to Lindgren halfway by final season, and there does not look like a path again to the No. 1 spot. 1 netminder in Washington. With three years remaining on his contract, it was troublesome for the Capitals to maneuver on with out retaining wage — or risking a participant they received in return, as they did with Dubois.
If DuBois reaches the ceiling of his ambition, he would be the answer to Washington’s quest for a high-level central place. He has sought out dimension and is extremely expert, however his observe document over the previous few seasons means that unleashing his potential would be the job of Spencer Carberry and the remainder of the Capitals’ teaching employees.
The top of Dubois’ tenure with the Blue Jackets turned ugly. His lack of curiosity in a single shift towards the Tampa Bay Lightning led to him being benched by then-coach John Tortorella and he was traded two days later, and the ending could not have been a lot prettier in Winnipeg as he labored his approach out the door.
On the ice, Dubois had a profession excessive in his ultimate season with the Jets, scoring 63 factors in 73 video games, however his first and solely season in Los Angeles did not go based on anybody’s plan. He fell out of the lineup, ultimately averaging just below 16 minutes of ice time and scoring 40 factors (16 targets, 24 assists) in 82 video games.
However when Dubois is engaged and at his greatest, he generally is a difference-maker — and the Capitals are betting they’re going to be capable to get him to that time.
