NASHVILLE | The Los Angeles Kings have a good chance of winning the race for Pierre-Luc Dubois. A source familiar with the matter confirmed this protocol that negotiations between the Jets and the Kings, as well as with the Dubois clan, for a contract extension remain intense.
However, there is no official announcement yet. White smoke has yet to rise from Nashville’s busy Broadway Street, where country bands were singing classics as early as 10 a.m. Monday morning. And the Montreal Canadiens have yet to say their final word on the matter.
Even if the noise is even louder at the Kings, Kent Hughes could always hit back and convince Cheveldayoff in the next few hours. Nothing is impossible. The Athletic’s Arpon Basu was the first to share this information. The Journal also received the same story.
The Jets are left with no choice but to trade Dubois. Kevin Cheveldayoff, the general manager, will make his center happy by providing him with a new target and thus fulfilling his request for a trade.
According to The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, the Kings have made a serious bid to acquire Dubois. Gabriel Vilardi – the 11th pick overall in the 2017 draft – and winger Alex Iafallo would move to Winnipeg.
“I hear the same two names,” a source close to the Kings said on condition not to be identified.
The 23-year-old Vilardi had his best season in the NHL last year with 41 points (23 goals, 17 assists) in 63 games. The 29-year-old Iafallo has 36 points (14 goals, 22 assists) in 59 games.
Financially, Vilardi needs to negotiate a new contract while Iafalo will earn four million by 2024-2025.
Rob Blake would thus sever two contracts to make room for a contract extension with Dubois.
Several advantages for the kings
Dubois’ potential departure for Los Angeles would shatter the dream of several Canadiens supporters who had envisioned him in Montreal. With Dubois, the CH would have accelerated its reconstruction process. But on condition that you don’t strip down to get it.
The Jets had already introduced their game. They were looking for established players to replace Dubois rather than just draft picks or prospects. Analyzing the Kings’ proposal, we can assume what Cheveldayoff asked Montreal to do. One can assume that he had Kirby Dach in his sights.
Kent Hughes has no interest in sacrificing Dach to win the Dubois derby. The 22-year-old has the potential to establish himself as a good second midfielder or right winger at the top, earning a whopping $3.363 million by 2025/26.
successor to Kopitar
The Kings have different ambitions. In Los Angeles we want to win now. Dubois would therefore be part of that desire to get closer to a Stanley Cup contenders team. For the 25-year-old center, that’s more appealing than a team that’s still being remodeled.
Getty Images via AFP
At center, the Kings would bet on three racehorses with Anze Kopitar, Dubois and Phillip Danault.
For the vision of the future, Dubois could succeed Kopitar, who will play the final season of a lucrative €80million and eight-year deal.
At 35, Kopitar hasn’t slacked off all that much, but that day will come. Last year, the Kings captain again led his team with 74 points (28 goals, 46 assists) in 82 games. After the 2023-2024 season, the Slovenian might want to continue his adventure in California, but he will accept a salary below his 10 million.