Trades in the NHL can significantly impact franchises, either positively or negatively, depending on the players acquired. A well-planned trade could bring a team closer to winning a Stanley Cup, while a poorly performing player can hinder a season and affect the organization’s future. Let’s examine the trade involving former Los Angeles Kings center Pierre-Luc Dubois and Washington Capitals goaltender Darcy Kuemper. Who benefited more from this major deal?
Dubois Moves to the Capitals, Kuemper Joins the Kings
On June 19, 2024, the Kings traded Dubois for Kuemper after just one season. This unexpected decision sparked discussions among fans and analysts. After signing an eight-year, $68 million contract, Dubois struggled with consistency and failed to meet the team’s expectations. In a summer exit interview, general manager Rob Blake admitted, “I don’t think I did a good enough job of integrating him in the right roles on the team here this year,” and accepted responsibility for the poor fit. Dubois’s challenges stemmed from his inconsistency and his difficulty in using his sizable frame to effectively protect the puck, disrupt plays, and check opponents.
While the Kings saved $3.25 million in salary cap space with this trade, it raised questions about their potential to build a championship team and their long-term strategy. Was trading PLD for Kuemper a smart decision? The Kings did offload a significant contract and gained some salary cap flexibility, but Dubois’s uncertain role within the franchise suggested a lack of clarity. As the organization transitions into a new chapter, careful roster evaluation will be essential to avoid past errors.
The Risk Involved
The Capitals have committed to a longer-term investment in Dubois. If he adapts well to his new environment—evidenced by his improved fit on the East Coast—he could achieve better performance than his single season in Los Angeles, where he recorded two goals, 11 assists, and 13 points over 20 games. On November 15, 2024, Kuemper was placed on injured reserve and has not yet returned. For a franchise aiming for a strong playoff run, the absence of their 6-foot-5 goalie is less than ideal. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 2.65 goals against over ten games, achieving four wins and two losses, with three overtime losses and one shootout loss. With a save percentage of .903, Kuemper could be a key asset for the Kings if he regains his form and maintains his health, which they need for a playoff push.
A Mutual Benefit
Both the Capitals and Kings have made impactful roster changes: the Capitals acquired a versatile 2022 Stanley Cup champion from the Colorado Avalanche, while the Kings added a solid defensive forward. Dubois brings skill and adaptability to the Capitals, while the Kings gained an experienced goaltender in Kuemper. Last season, Kuemper recorded a 3.31 goals-against average and a 13-14-3 record, and he expressed his desire to improve after a frustrating season. “I’m looking to prove that last year was just a one-off,” he said. “I believe that I can come in and be a stabilizing force in the net and provide the goaltending that the team needs.”
As a champion, Kuemper offers valuable experience and mentorship to the younger players on the Kings’ roster. With his ability to manage rebounds and make exceptional saves, he has the potential to significantly contribute to the Kings’ success. While Dubois seems to be settling in well with the Capitals and Kuemper’s performance is critical, only time will reveal if Los Angeles made the right choice in letting go of the French-Canadian or if Washington made a mistake by trading away their skilled goaltender. As both NHL teams navigate the busy 2024-25 season, the future remains uncertain, but the implications of this trade will continue to be a topic of debate among analysts and fans.
