The Pierre-Luc Dubois situation continues to cause a stir in Montreal. While the chances of seeing him in a Montreal Canadiens uniform were high, Pierre LeBrun has just dropped a small bombshell into the field hockey media stratosphere.
According to LeBrun’s understanding, Dubois, through his agent Pat Brisson, has asked the Jets to trade him. He wouldn’t even be open to signing a 1-year “bridge” contract extension with Winnipeg.
LeBrun on Insider Trading talking Dubois: “Our understanding is Pat Brisson has informed the Winnipeg Jets that his client isn’t inclined to sign an extension this summer not even a 1-yr bridge, Pat Brisson would like to work with the Jets on a trade for Dubois to another team”
– NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) June 7, 2023
At this point, the two parties have no reason to negotiate, hence the desire for a transaction. Dubois and his agent hope that the transaction will be respectful of all parties.
Remember that Dubois is a restricted independent player, so Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff still has some control over the situation.
However, the forward could decide not to sign and therefore not start the season in Winnipeg if the situation doesn’t evolve to his liking.
LeBrun believes that a trade at this time would be the best resolution to this situation, which is likely to drag on until training camp.
Some teams will be prepared to offer big returns if they can secure his services for the long term. The problem is, we don’t know how Dubois’ clan will view a potential transaction.
The next question is whether the Habs are still interested, and the answer is yes. LeBrun mentions that Hughes has already had contact with the Jets, but that the CH organization is not ready to give up the moon for the Quebec forward.
Hughes’ argument is that he will become an independent player in a year’s time. The stakes will be high, however, as some teams may try to convince Dubois to sign long-term. And therein lies the risk.
We’ll have to juggle between the desire to secure Dubois and giving away too much, given the circumstances.
In bursts
– Already.
5 years ago today👀🏆 pic.twitter.com/h2Dzd5rl4H
– Everything Hockey (@EHClothing) June 7, 2023
– A certain surprise.
NBA: Chris Paul to become a free agenthttps://t.co/cMftNOlG47
– RDS (@RDSca) June 7, 2023
– Great story.
Jacob Perreault and his support network https://t.co/ng0hzqcgUm
– La Presse Sports (@LaPresse_Sports) June 7, 2023
– A potential candidate in LA.
Todd Reirden is in the mix for the Calgary Flames head coaching job per Dreger on Insider Trading.
– NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) June 7, 2023