COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Blue Jackets finally struck a deal with center-back Pierre-Luc Dubois on Thursday, signing one of the NHL’s incipient stars and the club’s top center with a two-year, $ 10 million deal.
Dubois, who is still just 22, will earn $ 3.35 million this season and $ 6.65 million in 2021-22, and will remain a restricted free agent when the contract expires. The timing of the deal allows Dubois to be ready to start training camp on Sunday.
But Thursday wasn’t all good news about Dubois.
Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported earlier in the day that some NHL clubs have been aware that Dubois is “looking for a change of scenery,” which he wants to be replaced by the Blue Jackets after just three seasons at Columbus.
Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekäläinen declined to comment on the report and declined to say whether Dubois had formally requested a trade. Dubois’ agent, Pat …