The Pros and Cons of a Pierre-Luc Dubois Trade

Let’s not act as though there are no concerns with trading for Dubois. While he is a skilled forward, one the Canadiens could certainly find a use for, the price must be reasonable in trade and contract negotiations. The Jets can ask, but the Habs will not be giving up the 5th overall pick or Kirby Dach or anyone else they view as a building block for the future. But it will take something significant, especially if the Canadiens are not the only team looking to add him.

The Canadiens are not exactly in the position where they need to be trading young talent for proven players just yet. I like Dubois, but we’re not talking about a 100-point player or even a 40-goal scorer. Now factor in that after you trade for Dubois, you’ll need to give him a contract, which can only be signed July 1st at the earliest. What if he wants an absurd amount of money, a number the Canadiens just don’t want to meet? Does he go to the open market, making the trade a waste of assets? Before you trade for him, you need some kind of assurance it’s worth it.

The other concern? This would be the third team Dubois has joined before even hitting free agency, seemingly forcing his way out of the previous two teams, if he does leave Winnipeg for Montreal. How can you be sure Montreal will be any different? Winnipeg may not be the easiest place to play, but it’s a walk in the park compared to Montreal, especially for a French star like Dubois. The spotlight will be on him from day one, and it will only burn brighter if he struggles; just ask Jonathan Drouin. Can Kent Hughes be sure he’ll want to be here when the going gets tough? You don’t want to acquire this version of Dubois: