Rangers Reportedly Have Interest in Trading For Pierre-Luc Dubois

Francois Gagnon of RDS is reporting that the New York Rangers were in contact with the Winnipeg Jets during the Stanley Cup Final regarding a potential deal to land Pierre-Luc Dubois in a trade. It sounds like the organization might be circling back on that idea now that rumors of Dubois wanting to test free agency are out there.

Related: Trade Rumors Surface After Rumored Rift Between Rangers and Panarin

En passant, selon des informations obtenues au cours de la finale, les #Rangers de New York seraient plus qu'intéressés à acquérir Pierre-Luc Dubois. Négos en cours avec les #Jets sur les paramètres d'une transaction. Ce n'est pas chose faite, mais Chris Drury est très intéressé

— Francois Gagnon (@GagnonFrancois) June 29, 2022

Gagnon reports the Rangers still have interest in Dubois and he writes: “Ongoing negotiations with the Jets on the parameters of a transaction. It’s not done, but Chris Drury is very interested.” In other words, if Dubois and the Jets can’t get an extension worked out (he’s a pending RFA this summer), the Jets could turn to a trade and Drury will be waiting.

Dubois has made his intentions to test the free agency market in 2024 clear. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported:

“Pierre-Luc Dubois has informed the Winnipeg Jets that his current plan is to test unrestricted free agency when eligible in the summer of 2024. Now the Jets have control of the process until then, and what we’re also hearing though is that they wish to keep him and have him as a Jet for a long time to come.”

That has led to speculation the Jets could try to recoup something of value in a trade and since he’s got a huge upside with a ton of top-line potential, there will be teams that show interest. Dubois posted 28 goals and 60 points in 81 games this past season and it is believed he has more to offer.

What Does This Mean for Current Rangers Roster?

Late last week it was reported that Drury was not pleased with the performance of Artemi Panarin. There’s also talk that center Ryan Strome might not be back. They have Andrew Copp that needs a new deal and there is the business of signing or trading pending RFA Kaapo Kakko to get to. If the Rangers are really interested in Dubois, perhaps Kakko becomes part of a potential deal.