In El Segundo, California, Pierre-Luc Dubois acknowledges that his previous involvement in two trades within a span of six years has led to a less-than-favorable perception of him within the hockey community.
However, now that he has joined the Los Angeles Kings and signed a fresh eight-year contract, Dubois is eager to transform that perception.
Expressing his joy at the opportunity, Dubois stated on Monday, “I am incredibly thrilled to be here for an extended period and to finally reveal my true self. I aim to dispel any preconceived notions or misconceptions that people may have about me.”
On June 27, Pierre-Luc Dubois was traded to the Los Angeles Kings from the Winnipeg Jets. This move came after Dubois informed the Jets that he intended to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2023-24 season.
Prior to his time in Winnipeg, Dubois was acquired by the Jets from the Columbus Blue Jackets in January 2021. He had expressed his desire to no longer play for the Blue Jackets, who had originally drafted him third overall in 2016.
Regarding his past decisions, Dubois acknowledged the varying opinions they have generated. He stated, “Everyone has their own opinion, and people may agree or disagree with my choices. At the end of the day, it’s my life, and I have to make decisions based on what I believe is right.”
Despite the circumstances, the Kings remained undeterred and traded three players along with a second-round pick to acquire Dubois. They also signed him to a substantial $68 million contract, which includes a full no-trade clause for four seasons starting in 2024-25. This reflects the team’s belief in his potential to become an elite center.
During the previous season, Dubois achieved career-high numbers with 63 points and 36 assists. He has also scored at least 20 goals for the fourth time. Dubois recognizes that his personal success, as well as the success of the Kings, can help change any skepticism surrounding him.
“I aim to contribute in various aspects of the game,” he expressed. “Looking at players like Anze Kopitar on this team, who excel in multiple areas, I believe that scoring goals, blocking shots, and winning faceoffs can all play a role in helping the team succeed.”
Furthermore, Dubois is hopeful that his long-term commitment to the Kings will allow him to forge meaningful connections both on and off the ice.
He expressed, “Honestly, this is an opportunity for me to embrace my true self. I believe that I am sometimes misunderstood, and many people don’t really know the real me. And that’s alright. In this world, it can be challenging for others to truly get to know someone. But now, I have the exciting chance to simply be myself. Not to prove anything or show anyone, but to fully embrace who I am.”
Dubois has already begun showcasing his personality during his time in Los Angeles. He spent the past week immersing himself in the city and familiarizing himself with the Kings organization. In between house-hunting, he found time to attend Dodgers and Galaxy games, as well as dine at the renowned celebrity spot, Nobu.
Reflecting on his initial experiences in Los Angeles, Dubois remarked, “It feels like I haven’t slept or stopped moving since I arrived here five or six days ago. It’s been an incredibly enjoyable time.”