Pierre-Luc Dubois is probably uncomfortable because of Gabriel Vilardi

The Los Angeles Kings “paid” for Pierre-Luc Dubois on June 27, in return for Gabriel Vilardi, Alex Iafallo, Rasmus Kupari and a 2nd-round pick in 2024. The objective of this deal was clear: the Kings wanted to be taken seriously.

Certainly, Rob Blake’s group immediately became one of the contenders for top honors. With a center line made up of Anze Kopitar, Phillip Danault and Dubois (who was originally slated to be 2nd center), it’s a monstrous equation.

Nevertheless, it’s not all plain sailing for the Kings, who are driving with their feet to the floor and dominating on several fronts, as Dubois is far from the standards estimated so far. Offensively, he has just 12 points, including five goals, in 27 games.

If you compare his offensive statistics with those of the players involved in this transaction, it’s a little embarrassing. Vilardi, who missed several duels with a right knee injury, has nine points in 11 games. That’s only three points less than Dubois, but in 16 fewer games.

This is a Vilardi heat-check…

In an alternate universe, the Pierre-Luc Dubois – Gabriel Vilardi trade was a one-for-one swap.

Your thoughts if this were the case.

– Connor Hrabchak (@ConnorHrabchak1) December 17, 2023

In Iafallo’s case, he allowed himself 15 points, including five hits, in 29 games. That’s a better performance than Dubois…

Since the start of the 2023-24 campaign, it’s been pretty clear that the Winnipeg Jets are winning so far, isn’t it? That’s without counting Kupari’s nine points in 11 games in the AHL. Kupari has a very intriguing up-side, which could delight the Jets in the near future.

Collectively, the Kings rank 3rd in the Pacific Division with 38 points. They have scored a total of 97 goals and allowed 67. The Jets, meanwhile, sit atop the Central Division with 38 points, 97 goals for and 76 goals against.

The Kings are often mentioned as a bit of a surprise team. Can we say the same about the Winnipeg Jets, whose plan was to rebuild not so long ago? Absolutely!

In a gust

– Another excellent article about Lane Hutson.

– Because these images are just too good.

Josh Anderson watching the standing ovation from Habs fans at the Bell Centre last night pic.twitter.com/NBcp7fJ9Er

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) December 17, 2023

– A judo move on an ice rink…

À VOIR | Former NHLer suspended for a very dangerous move https://t.co/Hxo8PRIltz

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) December 17, 2023

– Honestly, I have the same Top-3 :

pic.twitter.com/wRmjGEUOrt

– Bernie Parent (@bernieparent) December 17, 2023