Tommy Bennett | Follow Me On Twitter @TJBennettt37
With the offseason in full swing, there is a swirling buzz around key names. The NHL Draft and free agency are right around the corner. One team that is in for a big summer is the Winnipeg Jets. Three big names that are part of their core group are likely to be on the move.
Those three names are Mark Scheifele, Connor Hellebuyck, and Pierre Luc Dubois. While two of the three names are unlikely to be sought after, Dubois is an intriguing name. Given that he is on the trade block, examining a fit for the Boston Bruins makes sense in a lot of ways.
Who The Player Is
Pierre Luc Dubois is a former third-overall pick. Taken by the Columbus Blue Jackets, Dubois has been a plug-in player right from the start. Standing at 6’4 and weighing 214 pounds, he plays as big as he is. In addition, he is 24 years of age and has all his prime years left.
Throughout his young career, Dubois has eclipsed the 60-point mark three times. In fact, Dubois is coming off a career-high season. With the Winnipeg Jets, he set a career-high in points (63) and assists (36). His 27 goals were one shy of tying his career high. This was his second straight 60+ point season, proving that was no fluke. In five playoff games this season, he had four points for the club. Throughout his career, Dubois has 26 points in 38 career playoff games.
Winnipeg was not the most offensively gifted team. Dubois did his part and helped lead the way. His 29.9 expected goals were the third most on the team. Not to mention, his ability to get shot attempts on the net without getting blocked (1237 Fenwick For) is a testament to his generating ability. He also ranked third in Corsi For among everyone on the team. In a defensive structure under Rich Bowness, Dubois did his part. Dubois finished the regular season with 71 hits, 40 takeaways, and 47 blocked shots. Dubois plays a physical game and forechecks hard. With this player, you are getting the whole package.
The Fit In Boston
All good things must come to an end. The reality of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci not returning to the club is a real possibility.
Dubois is most certainly a fit under the Boston Bruins. He is your prototypical Bruin that would fit the mold of being in black and gold. If the two iconic centers are to hang up their skates and ride off into the sunset, Dubois plugs right in. Charlie Coyle has been a steady presence on the Bruins but not the most consistent point producer. Even though Pavel Zacha had a career season this past year, that duo is not scaring anybody across the league. Not to mention, the pipeline for the position is paper thin.
Enter in Dubois. He is young and is capable of playing top-line minutes. Not only does Dubois fit the next wave of the Bruins core group, but if locked in the long term, it gives David Pastrnak someone to play with. The fit into the Bruins lineup is there, but making it work is a different story.
Does A Trade Make Sense
It would be a tall task, but Don Sweeney would have to work his magic to pull off such a trade. Given his age and the caliber of talent that Dubois is, it will not be cheap. Dubois agent will work with management to help facilitate such a move. From the looks of it, Winnipeg will be undergoing a retooling or rebuild. Capitalizing on assets will be a priority for the club. For Sweeney to pry Dubois to Boston, it will take multiple players and draft picks.
Draft picks are not something the Bruins have a lot of. However, there are notable players the club could part with to land the center. In addition to a potential trade, a contract extension will be needed. Dubois is a pending restricted free agent in need of a new deal. Given the type of season he had, the next deal will not be a cheap one.
You have to give to get. However, there is one problem the Bruins are facing. The team is financially strapped and only has 4 million of cap space. Not to mention, Jeremy Swayman needs a new deal, as well as Trent Frederic. As reported, the Boston Bruins will try to do everything possible to keep Tyler Bertuzzi. A trade for the player makes sense in terms of his fit, but financially it will be hard to lock him down. Sweeney is having trouble figuring out how to keep Bertuzzi. Adding Dubois to that list is not likely or a wise idea.
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