It doesn’t take much to get the hockey world going in Montreal. Example: the photo posted by Cole Caufield on Instagram on Sunday, where we see him in a boat with Pierre-Luc Dubois en route to the Canadian Grand Prix. The cliché ended up all over social networks and some traditional media.
For some, it’s a harbinger of Dubois’ future. For them, it’s a tangible indication that the Winnipeg Jets’ hulking center is destined to continue his career with the Canadiens. Consider it done.
That would be big news!
We always value our players, but we mustn’t move too fast.
Photograph from the Martin Alarie Archives
Trade with whom?
There are two big factors to consider: currency and salary.
Let’s start with a draft transaction
It would be surprising if the Jets kept Dubois for another season, knowing full well that he wanted to leave Winnipeg. They could emulate the New Jersey Devils, who signed defenseman Damon Severson to an eight-year, $50 million contract before selling him to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
But would they settle for a third-round pick like the Devils did to let Severson go?
By the way, what did Severson do to deserve such a contract? I ask them.
Presumably the Jets want fair compensation for Dubois’ services. That means they are looking for at least one established player.
We can subtract Nick Suzuki from the equation.
And of course Cole Caufield too.
Anderson has preferences
Who remains among the Canadiens’ forwards who could be of interest to the Jets?
Josh Anderson is the first name that comes to mind. However, his contract contains a clause valid until the end of next season, according to which he cannot be substituted in eight teams. If you’re thinking like me, Winnipeg could be on that blacklist.
For the last three years of his contract, which expires in 2027, the list is reduced to five teams.
Who else might the Jets be interested in?
On the defense side, Kaiden Guhle would almost be a given in Winnipeg given his Alberta background.
exchange guilles?
NO.
Jordan Harris?
You should really think about that.
Arber Xhekay?
Not sure.
Logan Mailloux?
Perhaps.
The fact is that a team can never have enough good defenders. And so the Habs have historically parted ways with two promising defenders, Ryan McDonagh and Mikhail Sergachev, against two forwards who disappointed in Montreal, Scott Gomez and Jonathan Drouin.
Not easy as you can see.
Don’t clog up the payslip
The second point that could be problematic is the monetary aspect.
If Dubois is rumored to be targeting nine million a year, how could Kent Hughes explain why Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield are making less?
It could throw the Canadian’s pay scale off balance.
When the Toronto Maple Leafs hired John Tavares in 2018 at an average annual salary of $11 million, the following year they paid Auston Matthews $11.634 million annually and Mitch Marner $10.903 million annually.
Tavares wanted to play at home in Toronto, and the Leafs wanted him. But Tavares’ contract, along with those of Matthews and Marner, eat up 41% of the Toronto club’s payroll last season.
I’m not sure Hughes wants to follow that model. Because even if players like Mike Hoffman, Christian Dvorak and Joel Armia are called up from here in two years, Hughes has to think about his young players who are growing.
However, Dubois is a very good hockey player who is reportedly hoping to continue his career in front of his people. I agree with the comparison made by José Théodire, who draws a parallel between Dubois and Vincent Damphousse.
But tell yourself: if Dubois is on the Canadian’s radar, other teams will be interested in him too. New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings are mentioned.
The next days or weeks will be interesting.
