Very few players have had as much discussion surrounding them this offseason than Pierre-Luc Dubois. Even after accepting the one-year, $6MM qualifying-offer the Winnipeg Jets made him, the discussion around Dubois has not quieted down. Recently, The Athletic’s Murat Ates and Arpon Basu had a chance to sit down with Dubois and discuss where he lies with his contract, rumors of a trade request, and his status as an impending UFA in the summer of 2024 (subscription required).
Notably, when asked about his decision to accept the qualifying-offer and his plans for free agency in two years, Dubois explained that this one-year contract at the $6MM rate was what he and his agent, Pat Brisson, believed to be the best fit for him at this point in his career. When asked specifically about his willingness to sign long-term in Winnipeg, the Jets star said that was something to be decided at the conclusion of his current contract.
On attending the draft in Montreal with the expectation that he would be traded to the Montreal Canadiens that night, as reported by Radio-Canada Sports’ Martin Leclerc and confirmed by The Athletic, which has since been walked-back, Dubois contended that he did so because his bank had invited him and he lived close to the area. Lastly, Dubois made it clear that he did not request a trade from the Jets, telling Ates and Basu “If I wanted out, I would have asked for a trade. I didn’t ask for a trade.”
Sitting down for the interview with The Athletic shows Dubois is intent on tidying up what could be seen as a divisive and difficult situation. Regardless of what he and his representatives do and don’t want, the forward is obligated to spend the next two years in Winnipeg if the Jets choose, so keeping the situation as amicable as possible, even if he does not have his heart in Winnipeg would be wise. Dubois’ answers were also rather to the point and not very elaborative, not necessarily clearing all that much up on the situation, outside of making his formal position clear.
Still, the decision to make his position clear, and his views, taken as true, represent a move in good faith to put speculation to bed. With a contract in place, Dubois and the Jets can focus on the season ahead as the team tries to rebound from a disappointing 2021-22 that saw them finish sixth in the Central Division. On top of helping Winnipeg succeed, Dubois will also have the opportunity to build on his 28 goal, 32 assist campaign and build value towards his next contract, as well as his looming free agency. For now, it appears the Dubois rumors will quiet down as the 24-year-old appears intent on going into next season as a cornerstone member of the Jets.
“Dubois contended that he did so because his bank had invited him…”
What is weirder, your “bank” inviting you out for a night on the town or accepting?
Or is this the best “no one would make that up” lie ever?
If Dubois made that up he’s as good as Costanza.
It’s not a lie if you believe it
“If I wanted out, I would have asked for a trade. I didn’t ask for a trade. My agent did, after I told him to. But I did not ask for a trade.”
I watched this and it was a shitshow. Guy has been in the league how long and he still fumbles around trying to answer questions. He is getting terrible advice from someone.
PLD–taking the whole Goldilocks thing to a new level.
“My porridge is too hot.” (This team sucks, I want out.)
“My porridge is too cold.” (This team sucks, too, I want out.)
“My porridge tastes like spicy pork and broccoli.” (This belongs to Louis Domingue. Sorry, Louis, I didn’t see you sitting there.)
“My porridge is hiding out in Montreal.” (By next year, so will I!)
Hey! Louis Domingue had the 2nd highest save percentage in the league last season! (Just don’t Google the number of games played)
He’ll quit on the Jets just like he did on the Blue Jackets. Addition by subtraction. Get rid of him to the worst team you can think of.