Detroit Red Wings rumors: Stay away from trading for Pierre-Luc Dubois

The Detroit Red Wings need to steer clear of trading for Pierre-Luc Dubois from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Rumors about Dubois have been circling since it was announced he would be scratched from the Blue Jackets Saturday’s contest.

For those who have missed the debacle lately, Dubois is quite unhappy in Columbus. His last two games have resulted in benchings by Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella. Since August during the NHL Bubble, Dubois and Tortorella’s relationship has headed towards the gutter.

While Dubois has since signed a two-year, $10 million contract extension with the Blue Jackets ahead of 2020-21 training camp, his time in Ohio is likely nearing an end. After a frustrating beginning, it is clear that he wants out and is likely being moved sooner than later.

As rumors continue, the Red Wings have stayed out of these talks, which is a great thing. The Red Wings need to stay away from Dubois. While there is a bit of an interesting reclamation project here, hoping he can settle in under a new coach, but it doesn’t seem like this is worth it.

The Detroit Red Wings need to steer clear of trading for Pierre-Luc Dubois from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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Dubois is easily a top-six threat and would slot in on the Red Wings second line, possibly even the first line, depending on how head coach Jeff Blashill were to use him.

In 2020-21, Dubois has one goal, which was scored against the Red Wings. Before that, in 2019-20, Dubois managed 18 goals and 31 assists for 49 points over 70 games for the Blue Jackets.

He is a left-handed shooting forward who predominantly plays left wing but can slot in as a centerman if needed.

There is intrigue with Dubois’ on-ice skillset, but shying away from a trade will be the best move for the organization.

Dubois is from Quebec and likely is hoping to be moved to a Canadian team as his initial issues with Columbus were troubles getting back into the United States amid the pandemic. (On top of his feud and growing issues with Tortorella)

But the fact that his play has seemingly faltered due to his desire to be traded is something the Red Wings should avoid. Bringing in someone who could negatively impact locker room morale if the “new fit” does not work out is not worth it.

Staying away from a two-year, $10 million commitment with Dubois if it takes a negative turn is worth it. Struggling with locker room morale during a season where confidence and morale are going to be key to showing improvements is less than ideal.

If the Red Wings are smart, staying away from Dubois even with all of the intrigue he could bring is the right play. There will be other opportunities to make this a better hockey team down the road, and trusting Steve Yzerman to sit this one out is the best move.

The Detroit Red Wings are not a frontrunner to acquired Pierre-Luc Dubois from the Columbus Blue Jackets, and that is for the best.