Why Canadiens Should Push to Acquire Pierre-Luc Dubois amid Latest NHL Rumors

Pierre-Luc Dubois has spent the past one-and-a-half seasons with the Winnipeg Jets. But it may be time for a fresh start. At least that's what the 24-year-old forward appears to be looking for.

According to a report by Murat Ates and Arpon Basu of The Athletic, Dubois would like to play for the Montreal Canadiens, which is something he's "not shy to talk about in private company." Dubois was born in Quebec, not too far outside of Montreal, so it makes sense he'd want to suit up for the Habs.

Dubois is a restricted free agent, so it's not a sure thing he'll be returning to the Jets—although they have the ability to match any offer sheets he receives from other teams. It's also possible for Winnipeg to trade his negotiation rights, should it want to go that route.

Dubois joining the Canadiens appears to be more than just a pipe dream. Ates and Basu reported that earlier this month Dubois attended the 2022 NHL draft, which was held at the Bell Centre in Montreal, "because he believed a trade would be completed on the draft floor." However, nothing materialized, and nothing has since.

There could be a reason for that, though, as it may have to do with the Jets' wants in a potential trade.

"The Canadiens have continued their pursuit of Dubois since the draft," Ates and Basu wrote. "It is believed that Winnipeg is holding up the deal in an effort to secure a player Montreal has no interest in moving."

So, it's possible that Dubois may be staying with the Jets for a bit longer. But there will eventually be a time when he can go to any team he desires. That will be in 2024, when he'll be 26 and become an unrestricted free agent at the end of his current contract.

However, that shouldn't stop the Canadiens from pursuing a trade to acquire Dubois now, especially because it's so clear he wants to join them. He could become a key part of their offensive core, and he's young enough that he can be somebody the rebuilding Habs construct their roster around moving forward.

Dubois had an impressive 2021-22 campaign, tallying 60 points (one shy of his career high) with 28 goals and 32 assists. He also played 81 games, marking the third time in his first five seasons in which he's appeared in at least that many games.

It's unknown who or what the Jets would want in return for Dubois, but they may have a high asking price, considering the Canadiens have reportedly been hesitant to part with the proposed return. But Montreal has plenty of time to negotiate with Winnipeg, and perhaps it can talk down the cost.

The Habs can't publicly discuss Dubois, because he's still part of the Jets despite being an RFA. But it sure seems like Montreal would be interested in acquiring him.

“If we had the means to acquire a big center who is established in the NHL, for sure we would have an interest," Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes recently said, per Ates and Basu.

Dubois fits that bill, and he'd be a tremendous addition for Montreal who could play a big role in helping the franchise get back to being a playoff contender in the future.