NASHVILLE | The Los Angeles Kings have a great chance of winning the race for Pierre-Luc Dubois. A source close to the matter confirmed to the Log that negotiations remain intense between the Jets and the Kings as well as with the Dubois clan for a contract extension.
But there is no official announcement yet. White smoke has yet to billow from Nashville’s teeming Broadway Street, where country bands were already singing classics at 10 a.m. Monday morning. And the Montreal Canadiens have not yet said their last word in this matter.
Even if the noise resonates louder with the Kings, Kent Hughes could always bounce back to convince Cheveldayoff within the next few hours. There is nothing impossible. Arpon Basu, from The Athletic, relayed this information first. The newspaper also received the same story.
The Jets have no choice but to trade Dubois. Kevin Cheveldayoff, the general manager, will make his center happy by finding him a new destination, thus answering his request for a trade.
According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Kings have made a serious offer to acquire Dubois. Gabriel Vilardi — the 11th overall pick in the 2017 draft — and winger Alex Iafallo would move to Winnipeg.
“I hear the same two names,” a source close to the Kings said on condition of anonymity.
Vilardi, 23, had his best season in the NHL last year with 41 points (23 goals, 17 assists) in 63 games. Iafallo, 29, meanwhile had 36 points (14 goals, 22 assists) in 59 games.
Financially, Vilardi will need to negotiate a new contract, while Iafalo will earn four million until 2024-2025.
Rob Blake would thus release two contracts in order to create space for a contract extension with Dubois.
Several advantages for the Kings
The possible departure of Dubois for Los Angeles would destroy the dream of several supporters of the Canadiens who imagined him in Montreal. With Dubois, the CH would have accelerated its reconstruction process. But on condition of not undressing to obtain it.
The Jets had already unveiled their game. They were looking for established players to replace Dubois and not just draft picks or prospects. When we analyze the Kings’ proposal, we can assume what Cheveldayoff demanded from the Montreal side. It’s possible to believe that he was aiming at Kirby Dach.
Kent Hughes has no interest in sacrificing Dach to win the Dubois derby. The 22-year-old has the potential to establish himself as a good second center or right-winger on the top line, and earns a reasonable $3.363 million through 2025-26.
Succession for Kopitar
The Kings have different ambitions. In Los Angeles, we want to win now. Dubois would therefore be part of this desire to get closer to a Stanley Cup contender team. For the 25-year-old centre, that’s more appealing than a team still under reconstruction.
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In the center, the Kings would bet on three racehorses in Anze Kopitar, Dubois and Phillip Danault.
For the vision of the future, Dubois could take over from Kopitar, who will play the last season of a lucrative 80 million and eight-year pact.
At 35, Kopitar hasn’t slowed down too much yet, but that day will come. Last year, the Kings captain again led his team with 74 points (28 goals, 46 assists) in 82 games. After the 2023-2024 season, the Slovenian may want to continue his adventure in California, but he will accept a salary less than his 10 million.