NHL Free Agency opens up tomorrow which has led to lots of rumours circling around the NHL. One such rumour comes in the form of a trade, instead of a signing. Martin LeClerc of Radio-Canada Sports reports that the Montreal Canadiens are working on a Pierre-Luc Dubois trade. He also mentions this was close to happening at the NHL Entry Draft last week.
On me dit que le Canadien travaille toujours avec les Jets de Winnipeg dans le but de conclure une transaction qui amènerait Pierre-Luc Dubois à Montréal à long terme. Les pourparlers ont failli porter fruits au repêchage la semaine passée. 1/2
— Martin Leclerc (@MLeclerc_Hockey) July 12, 2022
Pierre-Luc Dubois Trade Possible
This would be quite the move for the Canadiens. Dubois was the third overall pick back in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. He was flipped to the Winnipeg Jets for second overall pick Patrik Laine. However, he has never really found his perfect fit with Winnipeg either. Reports are now that Winnipeg wants to shake things up, and moving Dubois would be a massive change.
For the Habs, a Pierre-Luc Dubois trade would net them a 24-year-old centreman who can help complement their depth. At the draft, they acquired Kirby Dach. They also already have Nick Suzuki. Adding Dubois to the mix would give them a star name and a ton of depth down the middle.
What Kind of Package?
The biggest question would be, what kind of return would Dubois cost? It seems likely the ask would start with a first-round pick or a very good roster player or prospect. The Habs do have an extra first-round pick that they acquired in the Ben Chiarot trade. Given it should be a low pick, maybe that is what the deal centres around. It’s also possible the Jets want something that can help them compete now. Would a player like Brendan Gallagher or Christian Dvorak be tempting? Montreal would likely have to add more to that but it could be the start of a deal.
One thing is for sure, the Habs will continue to be a very busy team this summer and into next year.
STAT: Pierre-Luc Dubois has scored a goal every night he wore a t-shirt to the rink this season 👕 🚨 #GoJetsGo | #WPGvsNSH pic.twitter.com/kkeevAs6Sx
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) February 13, 2022
