DuBois, the third pick of the 2016 draft by the Blue Jackets, spent his first three seasons with Columbus before trading his NHL career to Winnipeg in January 2021. It’s clear he didn’t see a long-term future for himself in Winnipeg when he traded to the Kings last summer, a move that saw Dubois sign an eight-year contract worth an average of $8.5 million.
His first season with the Kings fell short of expectations, and in recent weeks his name has been floated as a buyout candidate when the window opens after the Stanley Cup Finals. Instead, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound Dubois was traded to Washington less than two weeks before the full inactive clause came into effect on July 1.
“We are thrilled to announce the addition of Pierre-Luc to the Caps organization,” Washington general manager Brian McClellan said in a statement. “This acquisition brings a talented 25-year-old with the ability to become a top-level center in the NHL. With his size, exceptional skating and high hockey IQ, we are confident he will grow into greater responsibility and opportunity within our organization.”
“Furthermore, we thank Darcy for his valuable contributions to our organization on and off the ice and wish him the best in Los Angeles. After watching Charlie Lindgren’s performance last season, we believe he deserves the opportunity to play a more prominent role on our team.”
The 34-year-old Kuemper, who signed a five-year, $26.25 million contract in July, lost his starting role with Lingren midway through last season and is no. 1 Netminder in Washington. With three years left on his contract, it was difficult for the Capitals to move without a salary cap — or risk the player they got in return, as they did with Dubois.
If DuBois reaches his ceiling, he could be the answer to Washington’s top line center search. He has the size and talent he needs, but his track record over the past few seasons suggests that unlocking his potential will be up to Spencer Cariberi and the rest of the Capitals coaching staff.
The end of Dubois’ tenure with the Blue Jackets turned ugly. His lack of interest in one shift against the Tampa Bay Lightning led then-coach John Tortorella to sit him and trade him two days later, and the ending wasn’t pretty when he was forced out the door in Winnipeg.
On the ice, DuBois hit a high water mark in his final season with the Jets, recording 63 points in 73 games, but his first – and only – season in Los Angeles didn’t go according to anyone’s plan. The lineup slipped and he eventually averaged less than 16 minutes of ice time and recorded 40 points (16 goals and 24 assists) in 82 games.
But Dubois can be a difference-maker when he’s on and at his best — and the Capitals are betting they can get him to that point.