Pierre-Luc Dubois looking to alter his image with Los Angeles Kings
After being on two teams in the past six seasons — both of which he forced trades from — Pierre-Luc Dubois looks like a villain to many organizations. Now, with his third team in four years, Dubois is on a mission to shift his image around the league with his new-found team: the Los Angeles Kings.
Los Angeles recently acquired the 25-year-old winger in late June after requesting a trade from the Winnipeg Jets only a few weeks prior. In addition to being traded to Los Angeles, Dubois signed an eight-year deal to stay with the Kings long term.
“I’m just extremely happy to be here and to be here for a long time, and just show really who I really am and not just an image of what people think, people that they think they know me,” Dubois said.
Before being shipped off to Winnipeg, Dubois gained the image of not being the best of teammates. Players disagreed and often disliked the Quebec native for his decisions on forcing a trade out of Columbus.
“I think, obviously, with demanding a trade out of Columbus, and then the situation with Winnipeg … everybody looks at those decisions, and some people agree, some people disagree,” Dubois said. “Some people think this, some people think that. I mean, everybody’s entitled to their own opinion. But at the end of the day, it’s my life. I have to do what I think is right.”
Columbus drafted Dubois third overall in the 2016 NHL draft, but only three seasons later, he would be sent to Winnipeg.
Now, with the monkey of his back, and a fresh start in an up and coming King’s team, Dubois is ready to take the bull by the horns.
“I’d love to do a bit of everything more, I think that’s the goal,” Dubois said. “Look at the guys on this team, a guy like (Kings center Anze) Kopitar who does a bit of everything out there. You can score goals to help your team win. You could also block a shot, you could also win a faceoff.”
“Honestly, I think it’s just an opportunity for me to be who I am,” he said. “I think I’m misunderstood at times, but I think a lot of people don’t really know me. And that’s fine. Sometimes in this world it’s hard to get to know guys. … Now it’ll be a fun opportunity for me to just be who I am. Not show anybody, not prove to anybody, but just fully be me.
“I feel like I haven’t slept or haven’t stopped in the five, six days I’ve been here,” Dubois said. “It’s been really fun.”
Dubois is now making a new mark on his career. With a career-high in points and assists, this young and experienced Kings team is one to be watch out for.
Will Dubois keep the momentum rolling with the Kings next season? Or will he blow up in another team’s face? Let us know in the comments down below.
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