The LA Kings made a big trade, acquiring goaltender Darcy Kuemper from the Washington Capitals in exchange for forward Pierre-Luc Dubois. Dubois, a 6’4″ center, has shown flashes of talent but has yet to fully reach his potential. The Kings hoped he would shine in their lineup, but he struggled, only putting up 40 points in 82 games.
On the other hand, the Capitals are taking a chance on Dubois, hoping that a change of scenery will bring out his best. However, at 25 years old and already on his fourth NHL team, the pressure is on for him to deliver. If Dubois can return to his 60-point form, he could be a valuable asset for the Capitals. But if he continues to underperform, his contract could become a burden for the team.
Meanwhile, the Kings managed to offload Dubois’ contract, which would have led to significant cap penalties if they had bought him out. In return, they acquired Kuemper, a veteran goaltender with a solid track record. Although Kuemper struggled last season, the Kings are hoping he can regain his form and stabilize their goaltending situation.
With other talented goalies like Jacob Markstrom, Juuse Saros, and Linus Ullmark on the market, the pressure is on Kuemper to prove himself this season. The Kings have been rebuilding for years and are eager to make a deep playoff run. Kuemper’s cap hit is manageable compared to Dubois’ contract, giving the Kings some flexibility moving forward.
Overall, the trade grades reflect the risks and rewards for both teams. The Capitals are taking a gamble on Dubois, hoping he can elevate their offense, while the Kings are banking on Kuemper to solidify their goaltending. Only time will tell if these moves pay off for both teams in the long run.
