Pierre-Luc Dubois: the Predators enter the race for his services

The NHL draft is fast approaching, and the rumours are numerous.

Of course, the main rumor in Quebec is the one about Pierre-Luc Dubois, and frankly, we’re probably all anxious for that to be over.

The Montreal Canadiens are the team that has been most closely linked to the Quebec center, but recently we learned that the Los Angeles Kings have joined the Dubois derby.

Now comes word that the Nashville Predators are also reportedly trying to acquire Dubois’ services.

Still, they have some interesting players to offer, like Ryan Johansen, Eeli Tolvanen, Philip Tomasino or one of their two first-round picks (15th and 24th).

The Tricolore could very well benefit from the services of the 6’3″ center, but it would come with sacrifices.

We know Dubois would love to play in Montreal, but would he accept less money than Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki? I strongly believe that Dubois can’t ask for more than them with the recent signing of Caufield.

There’s very little chance of that happening, since he’s looking for a contract in the $9 million range.

Although the Habs are still in the running, they’ve made something clear recently: they may very well wait until the summer of 2024, when Dubois reaches full autonomy.

If the Habs would rather keep that $9 million for their young players in the organization, why would the Predators add a long-term contract like that?

That’s what Elliotte Friedman reported on 102.5 The Game.

His contract would take up a good chunk of their projected salary space for next season, and there’s still Cody Glass, Alexandre Carrier, Rasmus Asplund and Cal Foote to extend for next season.

Of course, Nashville could part with some contracts in the trade, such as Ryan Johansen. But for that to happen, the Jets would have to agree to take on his hefty $8 million contract for the next two years.

The addition of PLD would greatly help the Preds by adding him to their roster. But I think he’d be a better fit in Los Angeles.

He could reduce the offensive workload of the aging Anze Kopitar, while bringing an important physical aspect.

We’ll be keeping an eye on this in the coming weeks, if not days, as the draft gets underway on Wednesday and Thursday, June 28 and 29.

In gusts

– This is seriously ridiculous.

– Many San Antonio Spurs fans finally got to see the 7-foot-5 prodigy up close, but not that close.

– A duel not to be missed.

– Here’s one who’d love to keep his teammate in Toronto.