There’s nothing in Pierre-Luc Dubois’ manner that anyone can call beating around the bush. He’s been pretty clear that he doesn’t want to be with the Winnipeg Jets for the remainder of his career. In fact, he’s apparently willing to sign another short-term contract with the team. However, he’s already announced that he’ll be testing out unrestricted free agency after the 2023-24 offseason.
The Jets Want Dubois to Sign a Long-Term Extension
Although Dubois has been about as clear as can be, the Jets obviously aren’t on the same page about his decision. Instead, they’ve come back with their preference. They want to re-sign Dubois to a long-term extension. Obviously, the two side’s thinking is at an impasse.
[The NHL Network Twitter link below discusses the situation in an interesting manner. It’s worth watching.]
Right now, the Jets hold the cards because Dubois is a restricted free agent. However, he does have arbitration rights, which should benefit him after his 2021-22 season. Last season, he scored a career-high 28 goals and added 32 assists (for 60 points) in 81 games with the Jets.
Should the two sides hit arbitration – which, from what I understand is not a pretty process for either side – we’d see how an arbitrator will translate Dubios’ 60 points into salary.
Apparently, the Jets Are Listening to Trade Offers
Given the talk that’s emerging from the Jet’s organization, it seems obvious now that the team is at least entertaining trade offers for the reluctant Jets’ player. However, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger, Winnipeg is unlikely to trade Dubois unless they’re “blown away” by the offer. They’d have to bring back quality players to Winnipeg for Dubois.
On Thursday, Dreger was on the panel of TSN’s Insider Trading segment. He noted that the Jets are “keenly aware of Pierre-Luc Dubois’s contract preference.” However, Dreger noted that Dubios was “a big part of that team” so he won’t be moved easily.
At the same time, Dreger noted that “there’s tons of trade interest in Dubois. However, if the New York Rangers, the Montreal Canadiens, or another team intends on landing Dubois, it’s going to take a very substantial offer.”
Without a Great Offer, the Jets Simply Won’t Move Dubois
Dreger went on to be specific about what he meant by a “substantial” offer. If, Dreger noted, it were the New York Rangers, “we’re looking at [Filip] Chytil, we’re looking at [Braden] Schneider, we’re looking at [Kaapo] Kakko as one of the main principles and maybe a first-round draft pick on top of that.”
Dreger noted that Dubois was available, but the “Jets competitively aren’t interested in going backward.” If the offer isn’t amazing, Dreger doesn’t believe the Jets have “the stomach to move Dubois this off-season.”
More must-reads: