Winnipeg Jets forward Pierre-Luc Dubois says his off-season rumors of being traded out of Manitoba are just that – rumours.
Dubois, 24, who landed at the Jets in a blockbuster 2021 trade for star Patrick Laine, spoke to the media for the first time on Monday after public statements made by his agent Pat Brisson fueled widespread speculation , that he was Montreal – necessarily.
Brisson said last week that Dubois, who hails from Quebec and grew up as a Canadian fan, would like to play in Montreal someday.
Dubois was also seen participating in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft in Montreal earlier this month, sparking a fire. He said on Monday, however, that everything has been blown out of proportion.
“You hear stuff I wanted out of Winnipeg – if I wanted out, I would have asked for a trade. I did not ask for a trade.”
“I read some things – it’s fun, sometimes it’s frustrating to read them. One thing I noticed is that I went into the draft thinking I would trade. I went to the draft because I live 15 minutes away from the arena and I I’m a fan of hockey. … I used to go to drafts when I was a kid.
DuBois, who signed a one-year, $6 million qualifying offer from the Jets on Friday, said he was invited to the draft as a guest by his bank, and at the time, the way his appearance and his agents The comments were being interpreted.
“I think people took a small thing and blew it 20 times,” he said.
“Everyone can read in what they want. … I thought it was exaggerated, the reaction, and that people just ran away with two seconds of what they liked or didn’t like to hear.
“I thought a one year deal, qualifying offer was the best thing to do. Now that’s taken care of, my contract is signed, I’m ready to go for the season. Next summer is next summer. Right now.” For, I don’t have to think about it anymore.”
Dubois said he looks forward to meeting the Jets’ new coaching staff and with his teammates in hopes of reversing last year’s “disappointing” season.
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