Should the Kings still pull the trigger to acquire center regardless of money?
The Los Angeles Kings have indeed experienced significant changes since their successful years in the mid-2010s. However, amidst the transformations, two constants remain Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar. These two veteran players have witnessed the ups and downs of the organization, but as they age, it becomes crucial for the Kings to secure a younger talent. One player who has captured the attention of many is Pierre-Luc Dubois, the talented center from the Winnipeg Jets.
Dubois possesses several desirable qualities, such as youth, size, strength, and exceptional offensive instincts. Moreover, he is a versatile forward who can excel at both wing and center positions. While Dubois seems like a good fit for the Kings, there is a potential obstacle that could hinder the trade—payroll. According to Kings insider for The Athletic Eric Stephens, a trade for Luc Dubios could be a deal breaker.
-Just from a financial standpoint, this is going to be hard to make work. Dubois played on a one-year, $6 million contract with the Jets last season expressly to keep his options open, one of them being the long-rumored desire to play for his hometown Montreal Canadiens. The belief is that his agent, Pat Brisson, will seek a deal that averages out to $9 million per season. That makes the Kings acquiring him a chore.
Dubois's contract last season amounted to $6 million for one year. Stephens suggests that the Kings might have to part ways with another player in order to create salary cap space for Dubois.
There are numerous questions surrounding whether acquiring Dubois is the right move for the Kings. However, I firmly believe that LA should pursue this trade and make every effort to improve their team. The Kings need to focus on rejuvenating their roster and injecting young talent, and Dubois would be a valuable addition.
As the Kings navigate their way through a transitional period, the presence of Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar serves as a reminder of the team's history. However, with their age in mind, it is essential for LA to secure a younger talent like Pierre-Luc Dubois. While payroll considerations may pose challenges, I believe the Kings should prioritize making this trade to improve their team's prospects for the future.