Pierre-Luc Dubois: Montreal remains a priority despite rumours that he’s headed elsewhere

Ever since he asked to be traded on June 7, Pierre-Luc Dubois has been the subject of rumours. The Quebec forward has never hidden his desire to come and play in Montreal, but several rumours are sending him elsewhere.

Among Dubois’ rumoured potential destinations are Tampa Bay, Carolina and Dallas. There are probably several other teams interested, but these three are the ones that stand out the most after Montreal.

Despite all these rumours, it would appear that the Habs are the only team in Dubois’ sights. Sportsnet journalist Elliotte Friedman explained in the latest episode of his 32 Thoughts podcast that Montreal remains at the top of the list.

See this post on Instagram

A publication shared by Habs Fan TV (@habsfantv)

“You’re going to have to convince me there’s another team out there besides Montreal.” – Elliotte Friedman

Friedman is a reliable source. When he says something like that, it’s intense. As Jeff Marek also explains in the podcast, there aren’t really any number two teams. There’s Montreal at number one, no one at number two, and then there are teams at number three, four, five, and so on.

In fact, Dubois will end up in Montreal, unless CH management doesn’t want to meet his demands. According to the latest rumours, Dubois is looking for a very lucrative contract worth around $9 million a year. Kent Hughes is unlikely to offer him more money than Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki.

Dubois will have to put some water in his wine if he wants to come to Montreal. Especially since the Canadiens will have to offer the Jets a hefty compensation package in exchange for the Quebecer.

If the Canadiens want to get their hands on Dubois, they’ll have to pay, one way or another. His contract expires at the end of next season, but he will still be a compensated free agent. And if the CH waits until then, it’s very likely he’ll already be traded elsewhere.

Dubois is no small player. He scored 63 points in 73 games last year, and he’s only 24 years old. The Canadiens will probably have to part with a first-round pick, a good veteran and a quality prospect to get their hands on the Quebecer.

So, yes, Dubois probably sees Montreal as the best option, but the fact remains that Kent Hughes must be willing to pay dearly to have him with the CH.

In gusto

– Evans and Pezzetta have a lot of fun.

We’ll never see thumbs the same way again

👍 https://t.co/xUHwtw1sv8#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/Lomjz69gfn

– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) June 9, 2023

– It doesn’t make you want to pick him.

This CH candidate gave our reporter an interview that won’t go down in history 👇 https://t.co/zJlMH7xxgW

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) June 9, 2023

– The future is bright for Chicoutimi.

The Chicoutimi Saguenéens will steal the show at the QMJHL draft with 4 selections among the first eight picks! 💥 pic.twitter.com/yYEYLdoOp7

– Field hockey 360 (@hockey360) June 9, 2023

– Rumors also continue in the Alex DeBrincat file.