In a shocking move, the Los Angeles Kings made a significant trade with the Washington Capitals that saw center Pierre-Luc Dubois heading to the Capitals in exchange for goaltender Darcy Kuemper. This trade not only addresses the Kings’ need for goaltending but also allows them to remove Dubois from their salary cap, shaking up their roster in a big way.
Pierre-Luc Dubois, who was acquired by the Kings in a blockbuster trade in June 2023, failed to live up to expectations in his first season with the team. With only 16 goals and 24 points in 82 games, Dubois was unable to make a significant impact. His lackluster performance continued into the postseason, where he only managed to score one goal in five games against the Edmonton Oilers. Kings’ vice president and general manager Rob Blake admitted that they did not integrate Dubois into the team effectively, taking responsibility for the disappointment.
On the other hand, the Capitals are thrilled to have acquired a player like Dubois. Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan emphasized Dubois’ talent, size, exceptional skating, and high hockey IQ, expressing confidence in his ability to become a top-tier center in the NHL. With the departure of Evgeny Kuznetsov and injuries sidelining Nicklas Backstrom, Dubois fills a crucial gap at center for the Capitals.
In return for Dubois, the Kings acquired goaltender Darcy Kuemper from the Capitals. Kuemper, who previously played for the Kings in the 2017-18 season, signed a five-year, $26.25 million contract with the Capitals in 2022. However, the emergence of goaltender Charlie Lindgren made Kuemper expendable, leading to the trade. The Kings hope that the duo of Kuemper and David Rittich can provide stability in the net for the team.
The trade between the Kings and the Capitals has undoubtedly shaken up both teams’ rosters. While the Capitals gain a promising young center in Dubois, the Kings address their goaltending needs with the addition of Kuemper. It remains to be seen how these changes will impact both teams in the upcoming seasons, but it is clear that both teams are looking to make bold moves to improve their chances of success.
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