The Los Angeles Kings made a significant move on Wednesday, successfully offloading center Pierre-Luc Dubois in a stunning trade with the Washington Capitals. The deal saw the Kings acquire goaltender Darcy Kuemper in a one-for-one exchange, addressing a critical need in their roster.
Dubois Acquisition and Disappointment
The Kings initially acquired Dubois, 25, in a blockbuster trade last June that sent forwards Alex Iafallo, Rasmus Kupari, and Gabriel Vilardi, along with a second-round pick, to the Winnipeg Jets. The transaction was a sign-and-trade deal, with the Jets signing Dubois to an eight-year, $68 million extension before shipping him to Los Angeles.
Pierre-Luc Dubois was envisioned as a potential successor to Anze Kopitar for the Kings' No. 1 center spot. However, his performance in his first season fell short of expectations. Dubois managed only 16 goals and 24 points in 82 games and finished with a minus-9 rating. His struggles extended into the postseason, where he netted just one goal and amassed 20 penalty minutes in five games against the Edmonton Oilers.
Despite general manager Rob Blake's vow not to buy out Dubois's contract, it became apparent that the Kings had buyer’s remorse. Now, Dubois finds himself as a member of the Capitals, where he aims to revive his career.
Dubois Fits Capitals' Needs
For the Washington Capitals, Dubois fills a critical gap at center. The Capitals traded Evgeny Kuznetsov to the Carolina Hurricanes and saw Nicklas Backstrom step away from the NHL due to injuries last season. Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan expressed his excitement over the acquisition, stating:
"We are thrilled to announce the addition of Pierre-Luc to the Caps organization. This acquisition brings in a talented 25-year-old with immense potential to become a top-tier center in the NHL. With his size, exceptional skating, and high hockey IQ, we are confident he will thrive in our organization with increased responsibility and opportunity."
Kuemper's Return to Los Angeles
Darcy Kuemper, 34, returns to the Kings after signing a five-year, $26.25 million contract with the Capitals in 2022. Kuemper's tenure in Washington included a .902 save percentage and a 3.03 goals-against average over 90 games in two seasons. His role diminished with the emergence of goaltender Charlie Lindgren, who posted a 25-16-7 record and a .911 save percentage last season, making Kuemper expendable.
Kuemper has a brief history with the Kings, having played 19 games for them in the 2017-18 season before getting traded to the Arizona Coyotes. With the Kings seeking a reliable goaltending solution following an injury to Pheonix Copley, Kuemper's return addresses a pressing need.
The goaltending situation for the Kings last season saw Cam Talbot and David Rittich carrying the load for the majority of games. Talbot and Copley now enter free agency, while Rittich remains signed through the next season, making Kuemper a crucial acquisition.
Looking Forward
The Kings hope to rejuvenate Kuemper's career and stabilize their goaltending department. "We need to make him better," Rob Blake said. "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."
In acquiring Dubois, the Capitals are betting on the young center's potential to rebound and elevate his game. As Brian MacLellan noted, "After witnessing Charlie Lindgren's performance last season, we believe he deserves a chance to play a more significant role within our team." Dubois will have the opportunity to assume a greater responsibility and address the void left by Kuznetsov and Backstrom.
This trade marks a significant shift for both franchises. For the Kings, it was about shedding an underperforming asset and solidifying their goaltending. For the Capitals, it was about securing a promising center who has the potential to thrive in a new setting. With the 2023-24 NHL season on the horizon, both teams will be keenly watching their new acquisitions, hoping to see immediate impacts on the ice.