Why trade Dubois now?
Aaron Portzline, Blue Jackets writer: The Blue Jackets made the decision after Thursday’s disaster against Tampa Bay that Dubois should never again be seen in his sweater.
Tortorella replaced Dubois with the final two periods of the game after a regrettable change at the end of the first period, but it was not just that change that drew Tortorella’s ire. Dubois, who requested an off-season negotiation, would have been a healthy scratch on Saturday had he not already been negotiated.
Blue Jarets GM Jarmo Kekalainen had to act quickly for two reasons: first, the Jackets had a slow 1-2-2 start, and it looked like Dubois’ drama was throwing a cloud over the club.
Second, the reputation of the Blue Jackets franchise and the city of Columbus was suffering from yet another player who wanted to leave Columbus.
How does Columbus replace Dubois?
Portzline: Dubois ‘departure leaves a considerable hole in the Blue Jackets’ schedule, a hole with which they are very familiar over the years. They are suddenly thin in the center.
The Jackets acquired Max Domi in October, and he is the likely candidate to see more time in the first place. Alexandre Texier has played as a pivot since the beginning of the season and can continue in this role. Roslovic played at the center a few times during his professional career and could have a chance to play there among the top six in the Blue Jackets.
Neither Mikko Koivu nor Riley Nash should be seen as the top six contenders, but it is not out of the question that the Jackets can put Boone Jenner back in the middle. He has played there for the past two seasons.
What Dubois brings to the Jets
Murat Ates, Jets writer: Dubois gives Winnipeg a top scorer in good faith and a lot of depth in between.
Dubois is positioned behind Mark Scheifele as an impressive center of attack and second line. Dubois has a history of two seasons of scoring at a pace of 60 points while relying heavily on producing five against five. He is not a power game dynamo, nor a penalty killer or a stoppage center, but Dubois is big, strong and difficult to stop even in strength.
Perhaps equally important, Dubois brings two years of cost certainty, earning $ 5 million this season and the next, and is not eligible to be an unrestricted free agent until 2024.
What Laine and Roslovic bring to Colombo
Portzline: With apologies to the legend of the Blue Jackets, Rick Nash, Laine may be the most talented and pure scorer to ever play for the franchise. Only eight players have scored more goals since Laine debuted in the NHL in 2016, and he will have a chance for important minutes and a free spot on line number 1, which was often difficult to achieve in Winnipeg.
Roslovic is an interesting acquisition. He can play in the center or on the wing, and the Blue Jackets will likely test him in all positions at the beginning. Blue Jackets can certainly use their speed and skill. Can Roslovic keep second place in the center? That would be an added bonus.
(Photo: Sergei Belski / USA Today)