Frank Seravalli predicts that the LA Kings will buy out Pierre Luc Dubois

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James Connelly
June 17, 2024 (0:39)

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Pierre-Luc Dubois struggled in his first year with the LA Kings and it has led to speculation that the Kings will buy out the former top pick.

After trading for Pierre-Luc Dubois last summer, the LA Kings had high expectations for him as he had his best season to date with 63 points in 73 games with the Jets. However, Dubois came to LA and immediately underperformed scoring a measly 40 points in 82 games. This is less than he scored in his rookie year with the Columbus Blue Jackets as a teenager.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli recently placed Dubois as the number one buyout candidate this summer and for good reason.

"We heard GM Rob Blake say at locker cleanout day that the Kings were not planning on buying out Dubois. But this makes too much sense. At least until June 24, it does. That's when Dubois turns 26. For now, he is 25, and that means the Kings are only responsible for paying one-third of the money remaining on his deal, instead of two-thirds which happens when he celebrates his 26th birthday." - Frank Seravalli

While the Kings would owe Dubois money for 14 years, they would be paying him substantially less per year and would save over $30 million in the process.

However, if the Stanley Cup Finals goes to seven games or the Kings decide not to buy Dubois out this offseason, they will owe Dubois two-thirds of his owed money if they determine that is the best course of action to take.

Source: Daily Faceoff
Kings' Pierre-Luc Dubois among nine buyout candidates in 2024 NHL offseason