Trade proposal sending Pierre-Luc Dubois to join Connor McDavid

The Kings acquired Dubois from the Winnipeg Jets in a blockbuster trade last June, giving up forwards Alex Iafallo, Rasmus Kupari, Gabriel Vilardi, and a 2024 second-round pick. They signed Dubois to an 8-year, $68 million contract (averaging $8.5 million annually). Dubois, 25, had a disappointing season with only 40 points in 82 games�a 23-point drop from his previous season. In the playoffs, he managed just one goal and 20 penalty minutes in five games as the Kings were eliminated by the Oilers in the first round for the third straight year.

On the other side, Darnell Nurse's performance has been underwhelming. His -16 +/- rating in the playoffs before Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals stands out. Known for poor gap control and defensive zone coverage, Nurse is better at transporting the puck than making outlet passes. He's earning $9.5 million this year, and that figure jumps to $12.5 million next year.

Opinions on the trade are divided. Some fans believe the Kings should reject the deal. They argue that Dubois is younger, cheaper, and better, even if not by much. Nurse's only advantage is a contract that ends one year earlier. Dubois can easily be bought out.

Other fans think the Oilers should jump at this opportunity. Buying out Dubois would be much cheaper than dealing with Nurse's contract. The Kings, however, might prefer to buy out Dubois and use the cap space to get a more reliable defenseman rather than taking on Nurse's hefty contract.

A different story might unfold if the Oilers were willing to retain some of Nurse's salary. Even retaining $2 million could make the deal more palatable for LA. Dubois is a 1/3 buyout, making him an easier financial decision than Nurse's buyout-proof contract. Nurse helped his cause on Saturday night, as he was a +3 and scored his first playoff goal in two years.

In the end, it's a tough call. Dubois moving to wing this season doesn't block Byfield's development at center, and the Kings could keep Dubois unless injuries or Byfield's failure at center force a change. The debate rages on, with no clear consensus in sight unless the fantasy becomes a reality.