A “difficult to manage” deadline for Pierre-Luc Dubois?

A few weeks after acquiring Pierre-Luc Dubois, Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff expects the Quebecer to gradually increase his contribution.

Acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets in return for Patrik Laine, Dubois had to stay on the sidelines for three weeks due to a 14-day quarantine imposed on Canada and an injury. He had four goals and seven points in 12 games with the Manitoba club.

However, he offers head coach Paul Maurice many options, as the driver can also count on Mark Scheifele and Paul Stastny in the center.

“We are only scratching the surface with Pierre-Luc,” said the CEO during a video conference on Monday. I think the three week delay was difficult for him to manage. ”

“But I really like the way things are falling into place with the options that Maurice has. You can probably mix up anyone in our top 6 and love the combinations.

“It gives us the opportunity, if something doesn’t work out one night, to make a difference and have an impact. I am so excited to have Pierre Luc in our training and I think it will get better and better. ”

Ready to move

Cheveldayoff has also indicated that he will not hesitate to close deals if necessary before the scheduled April 12 deadline. He won’t do it at all costs, however.

“I think we’ll still be active as long as it makes sense,” said the GM. If we can find something to suit both sides, we will definitely look into [la situation]. The needs change from game to game. So we will always be looking to try and see if there is a way to improve. ”

In addition, many complications could arise by modifying the training through an exchange. There is of course the reality of the salary cap, which should remain the same for a few years, but also the COVID-19 protocol and the resulting quarantine period. That’s without counting the expansion draft scheduled for this summer for the arrival of the Seattle Kraken.

In addition, some hopes of the organization are being raised and Cheveldayoff believes that the reinforcements could well come from an internal source.

“Sometimes the improvements are internal. It could be a young player who has the opportunity to play with the Moose right now and will have the opportunity to play with us. These are things that are certainly on our minds.

Heading into Monday night’s NHL games, the Jets were second in the North Division, four points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs and with three games in hand.

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