Pierre-Luc Dubois will exceed expectations in Washington

Pierre-Luc Dubois is set to thrive with the Washington Capitals, driven by renewed motivation and the opportunity to play alongside the Great 8. The move to a relaxed market like Washington provides a refreshing change of pace, allowing him to focus on enhancing his offensive role. Along with his robust physical play style, PLD is well positioned to make a significant impact and elevate the Capitals performance for the entirety of his contract.

Renewed Motivation

PLD’s reputation took a more substantial hit playing for the Los Angeles Kings. After being traded by the Winnipeg Jets last off-season, and signing a lucrative contract, PLD’s play was far from the expectation set within the organization. His struggles could be attributed to the pressures of a massive contract in a new market, however, most fans and analysts alike could see PLD’s struggles were solely derived from his inconsistencies during play. Struggling mightily on both ends of the ice, the Kings coaching staff were forced to continue to deplete his role in favour of players who exceeded their own. Now playing for his 4th team in 6 years, its evident PLD will have a burning desire to prove he is the player worthy of a 3rd overall selection. If he can find consistency with his drive on the ice, like we have seen a few times before, then there will be no ceiling high enough for PLD to reach.

Pursuit of Gr8ness

This off-season alone, the Caps have brought in Jakob Chychrun, Logan Thompson, Andrew Mangiapane, and Matt Roy along with PLD. This aggressive pursuit to bolster their roster illustrates Washington’s commitment to ensure Alexander Ovechkin is wearing a Capitals jersey when he surpasses Wayne Gretzky on the all time goals list. PLD has the opportunity to play an important role in this historic feat, while learning from the pedigree and longevity Ovechkin has provided his whole career. PLD can also benefit from playing alongside a true goalscorer, which can help elevate his game and provide ample scoring opportunities.

Relaxed Market

Washington has an extremely supportive fanbase, especially when it comes to the playoffs. It has always been admirable watching the Caps playoff games and seeing the energy and atmosphere the fans can provide in that building. However, the Caps market itself can be considered more ‘relaxed’ than the Kings or Jets, the last two teams PLD has played for. With the Caps external market pressure seeming more quiet, PLD can focus purely on his role within the team, without any unnecessary outside noise. The overwhelming evidence of PLD’s time with the Columbus Blue Jackets prove that PLD can have success in a relaxed market once the spotlight of the playoffs is on. The fans are going to idolize PLD if he can succeed their own expectations and harness this opportunity by focusing exclusively on his play.

Increased Offensive Role

The opportunity to provide an offensive role in Washington is wide open, given that the Caps have been in need of an elite center since Backstrom became riddled with injuries. PLD will likely start as a second line center, needing to prove he is able to steal the first line ice time from Dylan Strome. He will most likely start the season playing with Connor McMichael and Mangiapane as his wingers, both players provide speed and secondary scoring. However, PLD has the opportunity to take advantage of oppositions secondary matchups, and elevate his play into a top line role. Capitals coach Spencer Carbery has an offensively minded approach, he will make sure to position PLD into an effective offensive role, whether it be through key matchups, powerplay time, or efficient overall ice time.

Physical Play Style

There is no secret that size beats skill come the post season, when the ice shrinks and the whistles get put away. Listed at 6’4 225lbs, PLD can be a force the be reckoned with when he is playing a the top of his game. Viewers were first introduced to this PLD when the Jackets defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in 5 games during the 2020 qualifying round. PLD was a menace that the Leafs had no answer for, he was able to control the play, retrieve pucks back, and drive the net with ease due to his overwhelming stature and physicality. If PLD can harness this style of play with the Caps, he can comfortably become one of the leagues top power forwards. With the Caps already having Wilson, Ovechkin and Martin Fehérváry leading as wrecking balls on the ice, PLD will follow suit and eventually become a leader with this play style.

Final Thoughts

Pierre-Luc Dubois arrival in Washington brings untapped potential and optimism to the Capitals lineup. With a renewed motivation, strong supporting cast, and a market that allows him to focus on his game, PLD is primed for success. His increased offensive role and physical play style align perfectly with the Caps identity, setting the stage for a promising resurgence. As the Caps continue their quest for Stanley Cup glory, PLD’s contributions could be the key to their prosperity and Ovechkin’s historic milestone.