Questions about Pierre-Luc Dubois’ future with the Winnipeg Jets became fodder for trade rumors throughout July. On Monday, the 24-year-old center attempted to address them during a Zoom conference call announcing his new one-year, $6-million contract with the Jets.
Dismissing reports claiming he wanted out of Winnipeg, Dubois would’ve asked for a trade if that was the case. He insisted that thought never crossed his mind. He also explained that he accepted the Jets’ one-year qualifying offer because he wanted more time to examine all factors before committing to a long-term deal.
Dubois also doused a rumor claiming he attended the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft in Montreal in anticipation of a trade to the Canadiens. He pointed out that his off-season home is 15 minutes from the Bell Centre, adding he was there at the invitation of his bank to a reception they were holding in one of the arena’s suites.
Speculation linking Dubois to the Canadiens arose from a July 13 interview with TVA Sports by his agent Pat Brisson, in which he said his client had an interest in one day playing for the Habs. Dubois downplayed it, claiming the reaction to Brisson’s remarks was overblown and taken out of context.
Dubois’ remarks were greeted with skepticism by Montreal Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy. The Winnipeg Sun‘s Paul Friesen felt he did little to silence the questions about his future.
Dubois becomes a restricted free agent with arbitration rights again next summer. He’ll also be a year away from unrestricted free agent eligibility. He acknowledged he’ll be facing questions about his future next summer but insisted his current focus is on the coming season with the Jets.
