Goodbye snowy Manitoba, hello sunny California.
Winnipeg forward Pierre-Luc Dubois is finally on the move, as the Kings have acquired the RFA center from the Jets in the biggest trade so far this offseason.
As a result of the deal, Dubois also has signed an eight-year extension to stay with the Kings long-term.
We have acquired forward Pierre-Luc Dubois from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for F Alex Iafallo, F Rasmus Kupari, F Gabriel Vilardi and a second-round draft pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
— LA Kings (@LAKings) June 27, 2023
In addition, Dubois agreed to terms on an eight-year contract.
More details 📲… pic.twitter.com/O85qzDMuva
It had been clear for quite some time that Dubois was not going to sign an extension with the Jets. The No. 3 pick in the 2016 draft is one of a number of pieces expected to be moved out of Winnipeg this summer.
Dubois, 25, is coming off a career year in 2022-23. He set a new career-high in points with 63 in 73 games, while adding 27 goals. He gives the Kings an immediate boost to their top-six forward group, while adding depth at the center position.
It is the third time in Dubois' time in the NHL that he has been traded. Previously, he was dealt from the Blue Jackets to the Jets in 2020 in a transaction that also involved winger Patrik Laine.
MORE: Full details of Alex Newhook trade to Canadiens
The Sporting News has the full details on the Dubois trade to the Kings.
Pierre-Luc Dubois trade details
- Kings receive: F Pierre-Luc Dubois
- Jets receive: F Gabriel Vilardi, F Alex Iafallo, F Rasmus Kupari, 2024 second-round pick
The addition of Dubois gives the Kings incredible depth down the middle. With Anze Kopitar and Philipp Danault playing more shutdown, two-way roles, it opens the door for Kings head coach Todd McClennan to utilize the dynamic Dubois more in the offensive zone.
At his best, Dubois is a strong driver on offense who can also be a threat on the power play. His defense is iffy, but he is a big body that can play the physical game. Considering how dominant defensively the other two centers are, Dubois and his line likely will not be utilized that often against other club's top units.
For the Jets, the key was getting NHL-ready talent, not stocking up on draft picks and prospects. They get just that in the additions of Gabriel Vilardi and Alex Iaffalo, who both were regulars in the Kings' lineup last season.
Vilardi had 23 goals and 41 points in 63 games for Los Angeles in his fourth season with the Kings. The 23-year-old was a first-round pick in 2017. Iafallo recorded 14 goals and 36 points in 59 games. The 29-year-old had provided consistent, depth scoring for the Kings over the last six seasons.
Pierre-Luc Dubois contract details
Part of the deal was for Dubois to work out a long-term extension with the Kings to stay in Los Angeles for the foreseeable future. He did so by agreeing to an eight-year, $68 million contract that carries an AAV of $8.5 million.
Pending trade call the Jets and Kings complete a marathon trade. Pierre-Luc Dubois to LA. Iafallo, Vilardi, Kupari and a 2nd in 2024 (orig Mtl’s pick) to Winnipeg for PLD. As @reporterchris reported, extension for PLD in LA is 8 years, $8.5 aav.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 27, 2023
In order to sign for the maximum eight years, the Jets had to sign Dubois to the new deal, and then trade him to Los Angeles. Players can only sign for seven years if they have been traded to a new team prior to signing a new contract, making this a true sign-and-trade.
Dubois will be an unrestricted free agent in 2031.
| Year | AAV |
| 2023-24 | $8,500,000 |
| 2024-25 | $8,500,000 |
| 2025-26 | $8,500,000 |
| 2026-27 | $8,500,000 |
| 2027-28 | $8,500,000 |
| 2028-29 | $8,500,000 |
| 2029-30 | $8,500,000 |
| 2030-31 | $8,500,000 |
