Pierre-Luc Dubois
He was described as a multi-dimensional player possessing the ability to influence a game in a number of ways, and a bona fide future star for an NHL club.[10] On August 6, 2020, Dubois recorded the first playoff hat-trick in Blue Jackets franchise history in a 4–3 overtime victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs.The 2020–21 season was played in a specialized format due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Jets part of the all-Canadian North Division, and Dubois had to quarantine for two weeks upon arrival, limiting his training and preparation time.[18] The Winnipeg Sun remarked that he "embodies everything the Jets want in their lineup and their leadership core," and looked like a possible successor to top centre Mark Scheifele, making the end of his current contract a major issue for the team.[19] However, it was reported near the end of June that Dubois had informed the Jets that he did not intend to sign a new long-term deal, and would test free agency in 2024.[22] On June 27, 2023, Dubois was traded by the Jets to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Alex Iafallo, Rasmus Kupari and Gabriel Vilardi and a 2024 second-round draft pick.[23] After only one season of his eight-year contract with Los Angeles, Dubois was traded to the Washington Capitals on June 19, 2024, in exchange for Darcy Kuemper.[27] On May 10, 2019, Dubois was a late inclusion to Canada's roster at the 2019 IIHF World Championship, joining the squad following the Blue Jackets' second-round defeat in the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs.[31] Following the Los Angeles Kings' ouster in the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, Dubois again joined Team Canada for the 2024 IIHF World Championship.