Why Canadiens Should Prioritize Jets' Pierre-Luc Dubois amid NHL Trade Rumors

Pierre-Luc Dubois may have just turned 24 on Friday, but the forward already has plenty of NHL experience. He's played 361 games over the past five seasons, with his 122 most recent contests coming for the Winnipeg Jets.

Dubois didn't begin his career in Winnipeg, as he spent his first three seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets, then played five games in the 2020-21 campaign before getting traded to the Jets. He may not end his career in Winnipeg, either.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman recently reported that Dubois has informed the Jets that he is planning to test the market when he becomes an unrestricted free agent following the 2023-24 season.

"Now the Jets have control of the process until then, and what we're also hearing though is that they wish to keep him and have him as a Jet for a long time to come," Friedman said.

That may not be the best course of action for Winnipeg, though. Especially if Dubois is already thinking that far into the future and not committing to the Jets for the long term.

Dubois has been a solid player since arriving in Winnipeg. He tallied eight goals and 12 assists in 41 games for the Jets in the 2020-21 season. Then during the 2021-22 campaign, he recorded 60 points (one shy of his career high) with 28 goals (a career best) and 32 assists.

After missing the playoffs this season, Winnipeg should be making moves that will set it up for sustained success in the future. And that could mean trading Dubois before it potentially loses him following the next two seasons. The Jets may even be able to get a nice return for him, too.

If Winnipeg decides to put Dubois on the trade block, which teams could be among the potential suitors? One that would make sense is the Montreal Canadiens.

As Marco D'Amico of Montreal Hockey Now noted, the Canadiens will "undoubtedly be linked" to Dubois in trade rumors. And it could make sense for Montreal to try to swing a deal for him, depending on how things unfold in the 2022 NHL draft, which is set for July 7-8.

"Should the Montreal Canadiens not walk out of the 2022 NHL draft with one of the top centers like Shane Wright or Logan Cooley, trading for Dubois could be an option," D'Amico wrote.

There are potential cons for the Habs to consider. They'd likely have to part with strong players and/or draft picks in order to land somebody as young and talented as Dubois. Plus, Dubois will likely be seeking a large contract when he eventually becomes a UFA in 2024, so Montreal would have to commit a good bit of money if it wants him around for the long term (which it likely would if it traded for him).

Still, Dubois would be a great offensive player for the Canadiens to build around moving forward. It seems like a great fit, which is why they should do what it takes to acquire him (within reason) should he become available.

For now, though, Dubois remains in Winnipeg. And there's still a chance the Jets could change his mind about the future. But they'll need to find out soon whether there's a chance of that happening, or else it's likely best they try to deal him to a team such as the Canadiens.