Report: Jets’ Pierre-Luc Dubois Isn’t Planning to Sign Long-Term This Off-Season
All eyes were on Game Four of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday, which saw the Colorado Avalanche take a 3-1 series lead. However, fans also received an update regarding forward Pierre-Luc Dubois’ contract status.
During the first intermission, Sportnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that Dubois’ camp has notified the Winnipeg Jets about his interest in wanting to reach free agency in 2024.
For now, the 23-year-old isn’t interested in signing with the franchise long-term. Instead, he intends to be patient while being a restricted free agent over these next two seasons, allowing him to enter unrestricted free agency after the 2023-24 campaign.
This would be a major disaster for the Jets if Dubois’ intentions don’t change before then. Losing the 6’3” centre to another franchise would leave a massive void within their forward group.
General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and his staff are determined to convince Dubois about extending his stay in Winnipeg, as they should be. He quickly emerged as a crucial member of their core in his limited time with the organization.
Following a difficult transition in 2020-21, the left-hander enjoyed a bounce-back performance this past season, posting a career-high 28 goals and 60 points in 81 games. He also led the team in power-play goals, with 15.
Most notably, Dubois formed an unbreakable bond with teammate Kyle Connor, transforming them into a dynamic duo throughout the 82-game schedule. It’d be difficult to imagine not wanting to build upon that chemistry over the next four or five seasons.
The problem for Winnipeg, though, is Dubois could very easily fast-track his way to becoming a UFA in 2024. There are multiple different ways he can accomplish that feat.
The Ste-Agathe-Des-Monts, Quebec native could simply sign a two-year bridge deal, creating a clear path to hitting the open market afterwards. He could also head to arbitration this summer, accept a one-year contract that’s awarded to him and do the same the following off-season.
Either way, the ball is in Dubois’ court right now. If he decides to leave, Winnipeg’s front office won’t be able to stop him. All they can do is better equip themselves to return as playoff contenders next season.
One of the best ways the club can sell Dubois on signing long-term is by making sure they don’t endure another disappointing performance in 2022-23. He’s as good as gone if they fail to qualify for the playoffs for a second straight campaign.
After missing the post-season for the first time since 2017, the Jets are facing a pivotal off-season – the biggest one since the franchise returned to Winnipeg. This latest report involving Dubois’ future only increases that sentiment.
Between locating a new head coach, extending Dubois and potentially trading franchise icons Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler, Cheveldayoff has his work cut out for him at the moment. And he doesn’t possess much time to make these decisions.
Considering Winnipeg is largely considered a small market, they likely can’t afford to tear this roster down and enter a rebuild, especially after experiencing limited arena capacities over the last two seasons due to COVID-19.
The importance of keeping Dubois in Winnipeg long-term can’t be understated – it’s critical. But unless this franchise becomes a playoff contender once again, his Jets tenure could soon come to an end.
-Thomas Hall
Twitter: @ThomasHall85