Pierre-Luc Dubois has requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets, according to Pierre LeBrun.
Dubois spent the last three seasons with the Jets, this past year he ranked fourth on the team in scoring with 27 goals and 63 points in 73 games. His contract is set to expire when free agency begins on July 1 and he is a restricted free agent.
Over the last three seasons in Winnipeg, Dubois scored 63 goals and 143 points in 195 games. He is still only 24 years old and is a very capable second-line center.
According to LeBrun, Dubois’ camp told the Jets a year ago that they weren’t inclined to staying in Winnipeg long-term. Dubois’ agent Pat Brisson let the Jets know that it would be better for both parties to trade him this summer rather than signing a one-year deal and dragging this on further.
Dubois was originally selected third overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2016 NHL Draft. He played a little over three seasons for the Blue Jackets, before being dealt to Winnipeg in exchange for the former second overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, Patrik Laine.
The Ste-Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec native quickly established himself as a top-six center, scoring 20 goals and nearly 50 points in his rookie season.
The recent trade request marks the second NHL team that Dubois has had a falling out with. Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will be working the phones to try to find a deal that works for all parties, but it won’t be easy. Dubois has made it clear that he wants out but make no mistake, Cheveldayoff will not trade him for pennies on the dollar.
The Montreal Canadiens have been linked to Dubois and Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes could make an offer for the French-Canadian center. However, with Nick Suzuki, Christian Dvorak, and Kirby Dach already in the system, they are in no rush to overpay for a young center.
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