Pierre-Luc Dubois is a name that comes up in rumours every couple of seasons. This season is no different. With him on an expiring contract, and set to become an RFA this summer there are talks about what the future holds for the 3rd overall pick from the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
Pierre-Luc Dubois’ Future With the Winnipeg Jets is Unclear
Rumour: According to Sportsnet’s Luke Fox, Pierre-Luc Dubois’ says that if the Jets weren’t doing as well as they had been, trade talks would surrounding the Jets centre.
Analysis: This situation is growing eerily similar to that of another top pick from 2016. Last off-season, the Calgary Flames were posed with a difficult situation with Matthew Tkachuk. He was an RFA while a year out from becoming a UFA. It was an open secret that he wanted to play in a different market. One that was in his home country. Pierre-Luc Dubois’ situation appears to be mirroring that, with Luke Fox reporting that the assumption is the player is waiting to be able to return home to play for the Montreal Canadiens. This severely limits the Jets options this off-season.
Unlike Tkachuk, where there were a few destinations he was reportedly willing to go to, there has only been rumours surrounding Pierre-Luc Dubois and Montreal. This is worse for Winnipeg than it was for Calgary. In Tkachuk’s situation, since there were multiple destinations he would sign long term with, there were more teams in on the bidding process so Calgary could gain leverage to receive a good return. Winnipeg does not seem to have that luxury.
What’s The Next Contract For Dubois?
Luke Fox reports that Dubois could be looking for a long term extension in the $9,000,000 range. Dubois has been successful this season under new head coach Rick Bowness. He is only four goals and six points off his career highs with 21 more games to play still.
The question becomes is Dubois dead set on playing for Montreal in the future? Or is his hometown team just one of multiple he’d be willing to go to if he wants out of Winnipeg? This is a major factor in his trade value and his potential for earnings on his next contract. The Jets don’t seem to be contending for the Stanley Cup enough to warrant keeping him for only one more season then letting him walk as a UFA. As a result, they have some tough discussions coming this summer.
Main Photo: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
