Pierre-Luc Dubois: Michel Bergeron confronts him (live) about his team changes

It’s been just over a week since the Pierre-Luc Dubois saga came to an end, as the Quebec forward was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. Before being traded, he signed an eight-year pact (which guaranteed him an annual salary of $8.5 million) with the Jets, as they were the only ones able to sign him to such a deal.

Remember that for a team to offer a player an eight-year contract, the player must have been a member of the organization at the previous season’s trade deadline. As Dubois was with the Jets last March, they were the only ones who could get him to sign such a pact.

When the free-agent market opened, Dubois took the time to give an interview to TVA Sports to talk, among other things, about his new contract. But what caught the eye was a question posed by Michel Bergeron, who confronted the forward a bit:

Tell us the truth: it didn’t work out in Columbus, it didn’t work out in Winnipeg and it didn’t work out with the Habs. Do you think you’ll be in Los Angeles for a long time? – Michel Bergeron, to Pierre-Luc Dubois

Our colleagues at Go Nordiques also brought you the news.

We love the old “Bergie” talking into Pierre-Luc Dubois’ helmet!

Thanks to @AlexDen27 for the video!

https://t.co/qSXZFuPaR6 pic.twitter.com/I4tRx937wI

– Keven Mawn (@Mawnster1997) July 3, 2023

That said, even though the question was quite frank and to the point, Dubois still got the ball rolling. He laughed a little before saying that he “hopes” to be in Los Angeles to stay. He likes what he’s heard from the organization since he’s been in contact with them, and even explained that he’ll be heading out there shortly to get to know his new team.

He’ll visit the facilities and meet the guys who are still there, including the managers.

I don’t know about you, but Bergeron’s question strikes me as a bit of a more respectful version of Jeremy Roenick’s statement that Dubois is “being a baby” and that he’s “done nothing but f*cking cry” since arriving in the NHL.

It’s not nearly as inflammatory, we agree, but the background is a bit similar.

A special moment, then, but Dubois handled it well under the circumstances. And he may have to get used to it, because it’s part of his reputation right now.

In gusto

– Nice read on this CH prospect, whose career trajectory could resemble that of Alexei Emelin. Unless he only used the CH to give himself leverage.

– Nothing against the player, but he would have been a questionable fifth-round pick, that said.

– Love it.

Adam Fantilli had his Michigan teammate, Gavin Brindley as a witness when he signed his first NHL contract

: @BlueJacketsNHL pic.twitter.com/0ceZGw40Cy

– BarDown (@BarDown) July 5, 2023