THN.com/podcast. From THN American Pipeline: Previewing the NCAA Playoff Picture and Jets Prospects Pierre-Luc Dubois [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk3ODk0ODY5OTEyMzk3Njg2/usatsi_20506139.jpg] Pierre-Luc Dubois The recent end of the Winnipeg Jets' season sparked renewed speculation over Pierre-Luc Dubois' future. An RFA who's a year away from UFA status, the 24-year-old center frequently surfaced in trade rumors this season. Dubois dismissed the speculation during his end-of-season press conference. Nevertheless, it's assumed the Jets could trade him this summer [https://thehockeynews.com/news/big-changes-could-be-in-store-for-the-winnipeg-jets] if he's reluctant to sign a long-term contract extension. The Montreal Canadiens remain the supposed front-runners based on Dubois' agent last summer hinting his client would one day like to play for them. The Montreal Gazette's Brendan Kelly [https://montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/nhl/hockey-inside-out/what-the-puck-should-the-canadiens-trade-5th-pick-for-pierre-luc-dubois] suggested the Canadiens trade the fifth overall pick to the Jets to get him. It's unlikely the Canadiens will part with that pick for Dubois or anyone else. If they part with a first-rounder in this year's draft, it'll be the one they received from the Florida Panthers in last year's Ben Chiarot trade. Sportsnet's Ken Wiebe [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/jets-mailbag-what-does-connor-hellebuycks-next-contract-look-like/] said he believes the Canadiens might not be the only destination for Dubois this summer. He suggests an Eastern Conference team “in the vicinity of New York is the most likely outcome,” though he didn't rule out the Colorado Avalanche or the Los Angeles Kings as possibilities. Considering the aging talent in this summer's free-agent market, Dubois will draw considerable interest from contenders seeking a second-line center if the Jets put him on the trade block. That could generate a bidding war for his services, especially if he's willing to sign a contract extension with his new team. Dubois, however, indicated that having the right as a UFA to choose where he gets to play is important to him. That could affect his trade value, though Wiebe speculates that there will be contenders willing to acquire him for even just one shot at a Stanley Cup.
