A Pierre Luc Dubois trade is official. Dubois is going to the Los Angeles Kings. In return, Winnipeg will receive Gabriel Vilardi, Alex Iafalo, Rasmus Kupari, and a draft pick. The Los Angeles Kings need more firepower on offence. The Kings’ 2.58 Goals For per 60 at 5v5 ranked 18th in the league last season. The Kings have turned to Pierre-Luc Dubois of the Winnipeg Jets to aid their ambitions.
I believe this is all being finalized in the near future. Pierre Luc-Dubois will be a Los Angeles King…8x$8.5M is the contract. Gabe Vilardi, Alex Iafalo, Rasmus Kupari and a second-rounder is the return.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 27, 2023
Pierre Luc Dubois Traded To Los Angeles
The Kings lost back-to-back first-round series at the hands of Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. Dubois strikes the front office as a player who can push them to a deeper run.
Dubois scored 27 goals and 36 assists for 63 points in 73 games with the Jets this season. Moreover, he recorded four points in five playoff games. During his career with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Winnipeg, Dubois has eclipsed 60 or more points three times.
The Jets Side Of The Trade
Dubois was not interested in an extension with the Jets. Set to become an RFA, the club had to cash out on the best return possible.
Gabriel Vilardi is the notable piece joining the Jets. The former 11th overall pick in 2017 made a name for himself in 2023. Vilardi scored 23 goals and 18 assists for 41 points in 63 games. A strong presence in front of the net with a beautiful shot from mid-range.
Alex Iafalo is an impactful two-way middle-six winger in his prime. With two years left at $4 million per season, he provides stability for the short-term roster. The 29-year-old notched 14 goals and 22 assists in 59 contests this year.
The final noteworthy player involved in the deal is Rasmus Kupari. The 23-year-old possesses a two-way upside with the right linemates. He tallied 15 points in 66 games in 2023.
Finals Thoughts
The Jets collected a reliable trio of players for someone not interested in returning to the organization. Vilardi strikes the front office as a long-term piece in Winnipeg. The Kings made this move to bolster the goal-scoring for the short run.
Main Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
