Columbus to DC: How Pierre-Luc Dubois Landed with the Capitals

On Wednesday, former LA Kings forward Pierre-Luc Dubois was traded to the Washington Capitals in a one-for-one swap for goaltender Darcy Kuemper. Trading away Kuemper helps the Caps, given he was just not the best fit on the team. Yet, acquiring PLD is a bit risky. Dubois could produce massively on offense for the Capitals or it could be a Pacioretty/Mantha repeat, except more expensive and longer term. Looking back at Dubois’s storied history with three other NHL teams, PLD’s potential is truly 50/50. 

NHL Team #1: Columbus Blue Jackets 

A native of Quebec, Canada, PLD was a much-sought-after 3rd overall pick in 2016 by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Interestingly, he was actually drafted on his 18th birthday. Pretty nice birthday present, right?

After playing in the QMJHL in the 2016-17 season, Dubois debuted for the Blue Jackets in the 2017–18 season. In his NHL rookie season, the 6’4” 220-pound forward scored 20 goals and netted 28 assists through all 82 regular season games. Four of the goals were game-winning goals, and one was an overtime-winner. He also got his first taste of the playoffs that year, gathering 4 total points in 6 games. The Blue Jackets ultimately lost to the Stanley Cup winning Capitals in the first round.

Dubois continued to produce for the Blue Jackets the next season with 61 total points (27g, 34a) in the regular season and 5 points (2g, 3a) in 10 playoff games. His offensive production remained at a similar caliber in 2019-20, despite the COVID interruption that year. Dubois found great chemistry with linemates Artemi Panarin and Josh Anderson during his tenure with Columbus, noting how he just “[had] a feeling where they’re going to be” when on the ice with his fellow linemates. Dubois also accredited his line’s threatening offensive capabilities to such chemistry. 

Dubois has often been complimented by scouts and coaches for his unique combination of size, skill, strength, and hockey intelligence. 

Unfortunately, it was during the 2020-21 season that Dubois began running into obstacles. Dubois requested a trade prior to the start of the season, later citing that “It wasn’t overnight... At some point I thought there is Pierre-Luc Dubois the hockey player, and Pierre-Luc Dubois the human. I wanted to stay true to myself, to my teammates. I knew if it was a longer deal, deep down I would have wanted this to happen.” Dubois declined to go into much more detail.

However, head coach John Tortorella did not factor into Dubois’ trade request. Despite being benched twice by Tortorella for lackadaisical play, Dubois said Tortorella “was a hard coach, but I can take it, nothing is personal… I have nothing but respect for him [Tortorella].”

NHL Team #2: Winnipeg Jets

In January of 2021, Dubois was traded to the Winnipeg Jets for Patrick Laine, Jack Roslovic and a third-round draft pick. In 41 total games, he only gathered 20 points. A new city, a new team, in the middle of the year - it’s understandable there was an adjustment period. 

Dubois had some of his best seasons with Winnipeg the following two years, scoring at least 60 points in each.

NHL Team #3: LA Kings

With multiple seasons scoring at least 60 points and numerous advantageous physical attributes, Dubois appeared to be a great fit when the LA Kings acquired him from the Jets just one year ago. After not always finding the right chemistry with the Jets, despite the offensive production on paper, Dubois sounded excited to go to the Kings. “I saw an opportunity with the LA Kings that to me was like a dream come true…My dream is to win a Stanley Cup and I look at the organization, I look at the players, the whole roster, the staff and everybody and it’s nice to see that opportunity,” Dubois said to the media regarding the move. 

Unfortunately, that dream did not come true with the Kings. He scored only 16 goals and 24 assists with LA during the regular season and a single playoff goal. After a first round exit from the playoffs, Kings GM admitted Dubois just didn’t fit well with the team and took responsibility for Dubois’ lack of production. Dubois was shuffled around in the LA lineup, not really ever getting the chance to develop chemistry due to constant changes. During locker breakdown day with the Kings just a few weeks ago, Dubois kept mentioning how he just wanted stability, line chemistry, and that he’d “do anything to get better.” 

NHL Team #4: Washington Capitals

A few days out from his 26th birthday, Dubois will enter his 8th NHL season and first with the Capitals. Unless Dubois himself wants a change of pace, it looks like on paper PLD will stay with the Caps for a while. He has a full no movement clause taking effect July 1 for four years, with additional modified no-trade/no-movement clauses afterwards. He’s an expensive addition at an $8.5M cap hit.

Dubois will wear #80 with the Capitals. He wears this number in honor of late teammate Matiss Kivlenieks, who passed away suddenly from a Fourth of July fireworks accident. Dubois’ number is not the only commemoration he wears - some of his arm tattoos honor and pay tribute to his family members

Ideally, Dubois will find great chemistry with the team and coaching staff to add an offensive jolt into the lineup with defensive capabilities when needed. We won’t find out for sure until Dubois rocks the red under the lights at Capital One Arena.