Saturday, January 23, 2021, will go down as a historic day in NHL trade history. Earlier this morning the Winnipeg Jets made headlines when they announced a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Winnipeg Jets sent star goalscorer, Patrik Laine, and restricted free agent, Jack Roslovic, to Columbus in exchange for Pierre-Luc Dubois and a 2022 NHL Entry Draft third-round pick.
Dubois was drafted as the third overall pick in the 2016 NHL draft, one pick behind Laine, who was selected by the Jets. The now twenty-two-year-old made headlines earlier this season when the Blue Jackets announced he wanted a trade.
Dubois will be a dynamic two-way forward for the Winnipeg Jets
Dubois is currently entering his fifth year in the NHL. In his 239 career games played, Dubois has 66 goals and 93 assists. He will be a nice fit on the Jets top-two lines and is a reliable player in all situations.
#NHLJets have acquired forward Pierre-Luc Dubois and a third-round pick in the 2022 #NHLDraft in exchange for forwards Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic.
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) January 23, 2021
DETAILS ➡ https://t.co/nh9a2XK00Z pic.twitter.com/xQAYVAysWb
Just like Dubois, Roslovic also asked for a trade. Roslovic asked to leave Winnipeg and did not report to Jets training camp. Upon being traded, Roslovic signed a two-year deal with Columbus.
Throughout the offseason, there were constant trade rumors involving Laine and many fans thought it would only be a matter of time before he got traded, but many people are surprised how early this trade came into the new 2021 season.
There is still no word when Dubois will be available to enter into the lineup for the Jets, due to the new NHL covid protocols.
Tonight, the Jets start a seven-game homestand with a matchup against the Ottawa Senators, with puck drop scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Central Time. A full preview of the game can be found here.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: What are your initial reactions to today’s blockbuster Jets trade? Leave your comments below!
*All Stats Provided by the NHL*