Pierre-Luc Dubois Has Left LA and the Kings in His Rear-view Mirror

After half a season in Washington, D.C., Pierre-Luc Dubois has found his footing with a fresh start in the Metropolitan Division. While the 6-foot-4 center didn't have the season he expected with the Los Angeles Kings, he found his rhythm once his struggles were pinpointed. 

In the 2023-24 season, Dubois was traded to LA after requesting a trade from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for forwards Alex Iafallo, Gabriel Vilardi, Rasmus Kupari, and a second-round pick. In 82 games, PLD posted 16 goals and 40 points, missing the mark of the potential player he could be. 40 points isn't what the Kings signed up for when they inked Dubois to an 8-year, $8.5 million contract, but clearly the change of scenery has helped Dubois rediscover his form. 

In the 2024 off-season, Dubois was traded to the Washington Capitals in exchange for goaltender Darcy Kuemper. As of this writing, with 49 games under his belt, PLD has accumulated 10 goals and 38 points, two points shy of matching his total output from last season in LA. 

According to a recent article by RMNB, the Capitals have had their eye on Dubois since 2021, suggesting this was a calculated move. It also suggests they've been monitoring his development as he could be a player the team potentially build around. 

Dubois' average TOI (time on ice) in LA was 15:42 minutes per game, a bit less than his previous seasons—implying he wasn't being used in the lineup properly. On the current line of Protas-Dubois-Wilson, he's found instant chemistry and linemates who complement his style of play perfectly. 

In his early years with the Columbus Blue Jackets, PLD quickly established himself as a young, promising centerman with his physicality and size. His time on ice spent with the Blue Jackets and the Jets is roughly around 17 to 18 minutes per game, while his time with the Kings was around 15:42 minutes, a notable difference. His fourth and current team⎯the Capitals⎯have him at an average of 17:12 minutes per game. His time on ice with the Kings was the lowest of his career. 

In all fairness, Dubois found a city he thrives in and can consistently produce at a level that warrants his price tag. The Kings were freed of a hefty contract and instead, acquired a veteran goalie they needed. It's safe to say Washington and Los Angeles each won their trades, respectively. 

Still, in the big picture, seeing both Dubois and Vilardi pacing for career seasons is a tough pill to swallow from an LA perspective.