The Los Angeles Kings and the Washington Capitals have made a significant trade, shaking up their respective rosters. The Kings have traded center Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Capitals in exchange for goaltender Darcy Kuemper. This exchange addresses pressing needs for both franchises and could serve as a turning point in their upcoming seasons.
Background of the Trade
The Kings first acquired Pierre-Luc Dubois in a trade with the Winnipeg Jets last June. Dubois was immediately seen as a vital asset, expected to transition into the Kings' No. 1 center role, succeeding Anze Kopitar. To that end, Dubois had been signed to an eight-year, $68 million extension by the Jets before being traded.
During his first season with the Kings, Dubois scored 16 goals and registered 24 points over 82 games, finishing with a minus-9 rating. In the playoffs, Dubois managed only one goal and incurred 20 penalty minutes in five games against the Edmonton Oilers. General Manager Rob Blake initially vowed not to buy out Dubois's contract but later decided to trade him as the organization felt buyer's remorse.
On the other hand, Darcy Kuemper had signed a contract with the Capitals in 2022. Over two seasons with Washington, he had a .902 save percentage and a 3.03 goals-against average across 90 games. However, the rise of goaltender Charlie Lindgren made Kuemper expendable. Before his time with the Capitals, Kuemper played 19 games for the Kings during the 2017-18 season, which makes this move a homecoming of sorts for the goaltender.
Dubois Fits Capitals' Needs
The Capitals’ decision to acquire Pierre-Luc Dubois addresses their immediate needs at center. With Evgeny Kuznetsov traded to the Carolina Hurricanes and Nicklas Backstrom stepping away from the NHL due to injuries last season, GM Brian MacLellan was in search of a pivotal center. MacLellan is confident that Dubois, with his size, exceptional skating ability, and high hockey IQ, can fill this critical gap.
"We are thrilled to announce the addition of Pierre-Luc to the Caps organization. This acquisition brings in a talented 25-year-old with immense potential to become a top-tier center in the NHL. With his size, exceptional skating, and high hockey IQ, we are confident he will thrive in our organization with increased responsibility and opportunity," said MacLellan.
Kuemper Returns to LA
With the emergence of Charlie Lindgren in Washington, Kuemper had become a possible trade candidate. His return to the Kings comes at a crucial time, as the team faced challenges in the goaltending department. Last season, the Kings relied on goalies Cam Talbot and David Rittich, and with Talbot and Pheonix Copley hitting free agency, the Kings required a more stable and reliable option.
GM Rob Blake expressed optimism about rejuvenating Kuemper's career and stabilizing their goaltending situation. "We need to make him better. He's had a consistent performance over his career so far and deviated from that this year. It's up to us to help him become more productive to us," noted Blake.
Back in the 2017-18 season, Kuemper played a handful of games for the Kings before being traded to the Arizona Coyotes. The Kings see this acquisition as a chance to reset their goaltending woes and get the most out of Kuemper, who has shown reliable performance in his career.
Significance of the Trade
This trade marks a significant shift for both franchises. For the Kings, trading a key center for a veteran goaltender is a bold move aimed at stabilizing their roster. Meanwhile, the Capitals address their center position with the acquisition of Dubois, who brings a mix of size, skill, and potential.
Brian MacLellan, satisfied with the trade's outcome, shared his confidence in the Capitals moving forward: "After witnessing Charlie Lindgren's performance last season, we believe he deserves a chance to play a more significant role within our team."
As the 2023-24 NHL season approaches, all eyes will be on Dubois and Kuemper to see how they adjust to their new teams and the impact they will have on their respective franchises. This exchange has the potential to significantly alter the trajectories of both the Kings and the Capitals, marking an exciting chapter in their histories.