Kings GM: Pierre-Luc Dubois Won't Get Contract Buyout amid Disappointing NHL Season

Pierre-Luc Dubois is still going to be a member of the Los Angeles Kings next season.

"We need to make him better," Kings general manager Rob Blake said Monday while also confirming there will be no contract buyout, per ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. "He's had a consistent performance over his career so far and deviated from that this year. It's up to us to help him become more productive to us."

Los Angeles acquired Dubois via trade from the Winnipeg Jets prior to the 2023-24 campaign.

The 25-year-old, who started his career on the Columbus Blue Jackets, had been productive with the Jets the previous two seasons and accounted for a combined 123 points. However, he struggled to replicate that production in his first season with the Kings.

He posted just 40 points despite appearing in all 82 regular-season games before struggling in the playoffs with one point and 20 penalty minutes in a five-game loss to the Edmonton Oilers.

Dubois' drop in production was even more concerning for the Kings because they gave up forwards Alex Iafallo, Rasmus Kupari and Gabriel Vilardi and a 2024 second-round pick in the trade with Winnipeg. What's more, Dubois is signed through the 2030-31 campaign.

For his part, the forward understands he needs to improve.

"If play like I can play, we're not having these questions right now. I take the blame. I take responsibility. It's on me," he said, per Wyshynski. "I'm committed to having a better season. I'll do anything to be better."

While buying out his contract may have given the Kings more roster flexibility, it isn't surprising the front office wants to keep Dubois.

After all, he is still just 25 years old and has a recent track record of success before joining Los Angeles. There is something to be said about needing some time to adjust to a change of scenery, and some continuity may help him rediscover his form in 2024-25 and beyond.