Metropolitan Division: Washington Acquires Pierre-Luc Dubois in Surprise Capitals Trade

The New Jersey Devils got the party started, but Wednesday was a big day for news in the NHL, specifically in the Metropolitan Division. Despite the Stanley Cup Final still ongoing, the elongated schedule has NHL General Managers eager to make moves leading up to the 2024 NHL Draft which is shortly just before this summers free agency.

Just about two hours after a Devils trade with the Calgary Flames saw Jacob Markstrom head to New Jersey, the Washington Capitals trade goaltender Darcy Kuemper to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for center Pierre-Luc Dubois. The trade is one-for-one.

Adding Dubois is the second big move the Capitals made this summer, the first being the acquisition of CapFriendly which will go dark shortly after free agency.

Dubois signed an eight-year extension in Los Angeles after the Kings acquired the 25-year-old center last summer. LA parted with Gabriel Vilardi, Alex Iafallo, Rasmus Kupari, and a 2024 second-round pick in the trade for Dubois. 12 days before July 1st, Dubois didn’t own any trade protection and his relationship with the Kings began to dissipate due to questionable effort on the ice. Therefore, before his trade protection kicked in, he was ultimately dealt.

There’s little question that Dubois has the talent to be a difference making first line center. However, he’s now on his fourth team in his career after failing to stick on a roster.

Dubois scored 16 goals and 40 points in 82 games last season. His eight-year deal carries an $8.5 million average annual value.

The Kings were competitors with the Devils for a goaltender. After Markstrom came off the board, Los Angeles solved their goaltending issues by acquiring Kuemper in the Capitals trade.

Kuemper has has three years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $5.25 million.

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