The pendulum for Pierre-Luc Dubois’ next team has continuously swung back and forth between the Los Angeles Kings and Montreal Canadiens over the past several weeks. Today, it’s swung back toward the Kings’ side.
TSN’s Darren Dreger reports that the Winnipeg Jets prefer the proposed trade package coming from the Kings, wanting more NHL-ready talent instead of the futures Montreal can offer. Additionally, it appears Dubois personally would prefer a long-term commitment with the Kings, something not many expected after years of publically speculated posturing to end up in a Canadiens jersey.
Reported elements of a return have included forwards Alex Iafallo and Gabriel Vilardi, both of whom could immediately step into top-six roles on the Jets. It’s clear the team is trying to opt for more of a retool than a full-scale rebuild, an ambitious task given the impending departures of Blake Wheeler, Connor Hellebuyck, and potentially number-one center Mark Scheifele.
This doesn’t mean the Canadiens will be silent on the trade market, though. Dreger suggests the team is still looking to add a younger forward to their group and will leverage draft picks and defense prospects to do so.
If he does end up in LA, it’s fair to wonder if Dubois will actually be a center. Anze Kopitar, Phillip Danault, and Quinton Byfield currently occupy the top three spots down the middle, and none of them would appear to be included in the swap with Winnipeg when the trade goes through. Could Dubois shift to wing alongside Danault, giving him some more freedom offensively alongside a world-class shutdown center?
If this trade includes Vilardi, I believe it may end up going down as one of the worst trades in Kings history when all is said and done
really? I would say that Villardi might be lucky to top 75 points in a season where as PLD likely does that his first season in LA.
really? I would say that Villardi might be lucky to top 75 points in a season where as PLD likely does that his first season in LA.
also the Goring trade has to be the worst
PLD is one year younger and plays down the middle. Vilardi is going to be good but not a superstar. Kings fans not wanting a 25 year old good C is bizarre
I personally think Vilardi will be better in the long run. I think if this deal goes through, in three years time Vilardi will be the face of the Jets and PLD will be requesting out of LA
Vilardi is going to be better than DuBois. Kings are giving up a lot considering the amount of money he wants
Byfield has been a bust thus far and he’s played better at wing.
lol the guy is 20yo
And constantly looks lost/confused. I would be totally fine with throwing him in a trade for anything.
This trade must happen , fair for both teams,
That’s a great return for Winnipeg if the trade goes thru. With everyone wanting out of the peg it would be wise to get 2 young forwards to help rebuild the team, both forwards have potential to produce more if given a larger role. Dubois would be a great pickup for LA whether on the wing or down the middle, with the kings youth a veteran presence they should be a serious contender in the west.
Iafallo has played a ton of minutes on the top line with Kopitar, what role bigger than that is he gonna get in Winnipeg?
So DuBois wants a long term commitment from another team? Huh. He’s sure not big on giving long term commitments himself.
I like PLD, great power forward, tough etc.
He basically disappeared post season this year and his in season play in not consistent.
He is also they guy in the box with 3 min left in the game either tied or up by one.