A year ago, almost to the day, it was a party at the Los Angeles Kings.
General manager Rob Blake was all smiles. It was only natural, since he had just acquired a prestigious player. This big, agile forward who instantly made his center line one of the most dangerous in the NHL.
His new protégé cost him dearly, since he had to give up three players and a second-round pick to get him. And the new eight-year, $68 million contract that he added to his payroll was not going to make his daily life as a manager any easier. But the game was worth it, he assured.
The same Rob Blake had a much longer face on Wednesday. It was only natural, since he had just exchanged this jewel acquired at a high price a year ago, almost to the day.
Pierre-Luc Dubois, in fact, was traded to the Washington Capitals in exchange for goaltender Darcy Kuemper. A rare one-on-one transaction, without salary deduction or other compensation.
Rob Blake, in reality, is doing quite well, even if you have to look twice to see it.
He obviously looks crazy, and he knows it. The management team misjudged Dubois’ potential in the very specific game system that the Kings deploy – defense first, then we’ll see. The Quebecer, as evidenced by his production of 40 points in 82 games, was not in his place. He quickly found himself behind Anze Kopitar and Phillip Danault in the center pecking order. His ice time was not that of a player of his status. Its impact was marginal.
Twice Wednesday, by videoconference, the CEO repeated that he assumed responsibility for the integration of Dubois. Without complimenting his player, he did not criticize him either.
However, let us insist: in the circumstances, Blake managed to limit his losses. Following his club’s elimination in five games by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the playoffs, he came to the obvious conclusion that he had made a mistake. Now he had to try to correct her, which was infinitely easier said than done.
For sale
Buying out his contract was never a possible scenario, the manager insisted on Wednesday. It was therefore necessary to exchange him, and quickly, since a no-movement clause in his contract will come into force on 1er next July.
At the beginning of June, the GM showed up at the NHL prospects evaluation camp in Buffalo with a ball to sell. An unproductive player who will earn on average 8.5 million for another seven years, coupled with a first round pick in 2016 (3e in total) who failed to find happiness in three different organizations. Good luck !
PHOTO JEFFREY T. BARNES, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Darcy Kuemper was traded for Pierre-Luc Dubois.
It was almost certain that no club aspiring to the Stanley Cup would show interest. No more than one of the many teams in reconstruction, which we would understand to hesitate to build around a player who embodies the antithesis of stability.
It was therefore necessary to aim between the two. And right at the heart of the target, there were the Washington Capitals.
The Kings certainly had to accept a burden in return. At 34, Darcy Kuemper is no longer exactly the face of freshness or youth. His two-season stint in the American capital was sometimes okay, sometimes painful, and he still has to earn 5.25 million on average for three years.
But it was an acceptable compromise in Los Angeles, where turnover in net is a tradition anyway. To gain almost 44 million in salary space by 2031, it was not a high price to pay. Bargain.
Consistent
This transaction, moreover, is absolutely consistent with the philosophy of the Capitals. They, after winning the Stanley Cup in 2018, decided to hang on to an aging core rather than renew it.
The current squad is not particularly dreamy, nor is the pool of prospects. It is obvious that the short-term objective is to allow Alexander Ovechkin to conclude his career with a decent club, probably by beating Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 goals. Every little victory counts, such as the surprising participation in the 2024 playoffs.
However, to keep this club viable, it was necessary to strengthen it in the center immediately. No young player in the organization is ready to man an NHL top line. Dylan Strome needs help. And Nicklas Backstrom will probably no longer play hockey.
Dubois can accept this mission. The words of general manager Brian MacLellan, in a press release published by the team, were also clear: “Given his size, his exceptional skating and his great intelligence of the game, we are hopeful that he will flourish [à Washington] with increased responsibilities. »
The “potential” that MacLellan speaks of in the same statement is not fictitious: three seasons of 27 or 28 goals and as many harvests of at least 60 points. A 6’4”, 225 lb center capable of this offensive performance will never leave a GM indifferent. Even if it comes with the label of cannonball.
A burden that will weigh less than in Los Angeles, especially since Kuemper’s departure will allow Charlie Lindgren to confirm his starting status and young goalkeepers in the organization to gain ground. The Capitals, furthermore, have money in their coffers. In a short or medium term strategy, you might as well invest it in an established player. Like Dubois.
The burden of some, in short, can sometimes bring happiness to others. It just makes for more sober celebrations when he changes sides.