Few players across the NHL have dealt with more rumors and speculation surrounding him than newly acquired LA Kings forward Pierre-Luc Dubois.
After a contentious exit from Columbus and the constant ties to Montreal, there’s been an abundance of outside noise surrounding the 25-year-old. But with a contract now solidifying his destination for the next eight years, Dubois is ready to put all that behind him.
The star center has been busy since arriving in Los Angeles last week. He’s announced the famous phrase “It’s time for Dodger baseball” at Dodger Stadium, he’s been a guest at an LA Galaxy game in Carson, he’s toured the beaches of Malibu having dinner at Nobu, and Monday afternoon he sat down with the LA Kings media in El Segundo.
Writing a different narrative
When speaking with him, Dubois doesn’t come across as some snobby diva or controversial figure many point him out to be. He seems like a mild-mannered guy.
With a fresh start on the horizon, PLD is eager for the chance to show who he really is as a player and a person. And dispel some of the narrative clouding him.
“Honestly I think it’s just an opportunity for me to be who I am. I’m misunderstood at times. But I think a lot of people don’t really know me. And that’s fine. Sometimes in this world, it’s hard to get to know guys.
My mom always tells me to show my personality more in interviews but sometimes you can’t you know. Now it’ll be a fun opportunity for me to just be who I am. Not show anybody or prove to anybody but just fully be me.”
Dubois followed up on why he’s so misunderstood and he was quick to point out his past tenures with Columbus and Winnipeg being the key factors.
“Everybody lives their lives differently. Everybody looks at those decisions and some people agree, some people disagree. Some people think this, and some people think that. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion. But at the end of the day, it’s my life and I have to do what I think is right.”
Looking ahead
Dubois is scheduled to fly to Montreal this week to kick off a charity golf tournament for the Pierre-Luc Dubois Foundation.
A program he took over from former LA King Vincent Lecavalier once named after the player, aimed at providing aspiring young hockey players with equipment to play the game.
The opportunity to help others has always been embedded in Pierre-Luc. A trait that’s not often talked about with the star player, but perhaps should be.
“I see guys around the league and guys around other sports that do stuff in their communities. I think we’re in a position where we’re doing our dream job and we’re happy with that, but we’re in a position where we can help people. And help people in need. Sometimes it’s hockey. Sometimes it’s not even hockey, it’s just life.”
Dubois has already begun talking with the Kings’ staff about how he can help around the LA community as well. Following the footsteps of Kevin Fiala who won the Jim Fox Community Service Award this past season in his first year in Los Angeles.
Later in August, PLD will be staying with Phillip Danault and his family as the new teammates look to spark a relationship with one goal in mind, hoisting Lord Stanley’s Cup.
“The number one thing on my agenda is just to win a Stanley Cup. I’m really looking forward to helping the group in whatever way I can. In whatever position they need me to be. And whatever kind of player I need to be for this team. To be honest that’s the only thing that’s on my mind and it’s really exciting.”
Dubois is saying all the things fans want to hear from a player who cost so much to acquire. But actions on the ice speak louder than words. And the true test won’t come till the puck drops in October.
More must-reads: