Pierre-Luc Dubois Bio
Pierre-Luc Dubois is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who currently plays for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). Selected third overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets, Dubois has established himself as a dynamic forward known for his powerful skating, scoring ability, and two-way play. Throughout his NHL career, he has represented three different franchises while emerging as one of the league’s promising young talents at the centre position. His career trajectory has included significant milestones such as franchise-record performances and international success with Team Canada.
Early Life and Background
Pierre-Luc Dubois was born on June 24, 1998, in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec, Canada, though he grew up in Rimouski. Hockey runs deep in his family, as his father, Éric Dubois, was a professional ice hockey player who later became a defensive coach for the Manitoba Moose, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets. His mother, Jill, is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, giving Dubois dual citizenship in Canada and the United States.
Dubois began playing hockey at the age of three in Germany, where his father competed in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). This early exposure to European hockey contributed to his well-rounded development. He has an older sister named Daphne. Growing up in Quebec, Dubois played for the Rimouski Océanic minor ice hockey team and participated in the prestigious Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament in both 2010 and 2011.
Path to Professional Hockey
Dubois was drafted by the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)’s Cape Breton Screaming Eagles in the first round, fifth overall, of the 2014 QMJHL Entry Draft. He began his junior career with the Screaming Eagles during the 2014-15 season and made an immediate impact. In his rookie season, Dubois was the league’s top-scoring 16-year-old, demonstrating the offensive talent that would define his professional career.
Leading up to the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Dubois was ranked as the top North American skater. Scouts described him as a multi-dimensional player capable of influencing games in various ways and a bona fide future star for an NHL club. On December 11, 2016, he was traded from the Screaming Eagles to the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, where he continued his junior development before turning professional.
Pierre-Luc Dubois Career
Columbus Blue Jackets Era (2017-2021)
On June 24, 2016, his 18th birthday, Dubois was selected third overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. He signed his entry-level contract with Columbus on June 29 and attended the team’s development camp before returning to junior hockey for the 2016-17 season. Dubois made his NHL debut with the Blue Jackets at the start of the 2017-18 season, playing centre between wingers Artemi Panarin and Josh Anderson.
He scored his first career NHL goal on October 6, 2017, in a 5-0 victory against the New York Islanders. His rookie season showed promise, but it was his sophomore campaign that truly announced his arrival. On March 29, 2018, Dubois recorded his first career NHL hat-trick against the Calgary Flames, breaking the Blue Jackets rookie scoring record previously held by Rick Nash. This achievement highlighted his offensive potential and established him as a cornerstone player for Columbus.
On August 6, 2020, Dubois recorded the first playoff hat-trick in Blue Jackets franchise history during an overtime victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs. This milestone solidified his status as a clutch performer in high-pressure situations. However, later that season, he signed a two-year, $10 million contract on December 31, 2020, and subsequently requested a trade from the team. The relationship became untenable, culminating in Dubois being benched during a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning in January 2021.
Winnipeg Jets Tenure (2021-2023)
On January 23, 2021, Dubois was traded to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic. His first season with the Jets was challenging. He had to quarantine for two weeks upon arrival due to pandemic protocols and sustained an injury in only his second game with the team. On February 21, in just his third game with Winnipeg, Dubois scored his first two goals as a Jet in a 4-3 overtime win against the Vancouver Canucks, with his second goal being the game-winner. The 2020-21 season was ultimately disappointing, with Dubois recording only eight goals and 12 assists in 41 games, ending a 24-game goalless streak. The Jets qualified for the playoffs but were eliminated in the second round.
The 2021-22 season brought improvement as Dubois scored 28 goals and recorded 32 assists, setting new career highs in goals. Despite the Jets missing the playoffs that year, Dubois emerged as a key leader. However, reports surfaced that he informed the team he did not intend to sign a long-term deal and would test free agency in 2024. Speculation grew about his interest in playing for the Montreal Canadiens, his hometown team. On July 22, 2022, Dubois accepted a one-year, $6 million qualifying offer from the Jets.
Los Angeles Kings and Washington Capitals (2023-Present)
On June 27, 2023, Dubois was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Alex Iafallo, Rasmus Kupari, Gabriel Vilardi, and a 2024 second-round draft pick. Upon joining the Kings, he signed an lucrative eight-year, $68 million contract extension. After only one season with Los Angeles, Dubois was traded again, this time to the Washington Capitals on June 19, 2024, in exchange for Darcy Kuemper. This move marked the beginning of a new chapter as Dubois signed a long-term deal to become a foundational piece of Washington’s future.
Playing Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 4 inches and 220 pounds, Dubois combines size with skilled skating and hockey sense. His powerful frame allows him to win board battles and protect the puck effectively. As a centre, he excels at faceoffs and contributes at both ends of the ice. His ability to score, create plays, and compete in all situations makes him a versatile top-six forward capable of matching up against opponents’ best lines.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Dubois has achieved several memorable milestones. His playoff hat-trick with Columbus in 2020 remains a franchise first. He has twice earned silver medals at the IIHF World Championship with Team Canada in 2019 and 2022. His trajectory from third-overall draft pick to consistent NHL performer demonstrates his development into a reliable scoring centre.
Pierre-Luc Dubois Career Highlights
Dubois has accumulated notable statistics across his NHL career with three franchises. His offensive production has included multiple 20-goal seasons, career-high performances, and memorable playoff moments that have contributed to his growing reputation in the league.
NHL Achievements
With the Columbus Blue Jackets, Dubois scored 66 goals and 89 assists over parts of four seasons. His first NHL goal came against the New York Islanders in October 2017, and his first hat-trick followed in March 2018 against Calgary. In Winnipeg, he reached new heights with a 28-goal season in 2021-22. His career totals continue to grow as he enters his prime with Washington. The trade to Washington marked a significant commitment from the franchise, signing him through the 2030-31 season.
International Competition
Dubois has represented Canada at four IIHF World Championships. In 2018, he was named to the senior team and recorded three goals and four assists in nine games as Canada finished fourth. In 2019, he joined the squad late and helped Canada reach the final, earning a silver medal with three goals and seven points in eight games. In 2022, he distinguished himself as one of Canada’s best players, adding another silver medal with seven goals and six assists in 10 games. In 2024, he joined Team Canada again following the Kings’ playoff elimination.
Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Pierre-Luc Dubois comes from a hockey family. His father, Éric Dubois, was a professional player and now serves as a defensive coach for the Manitoba Moose, Winnipeg’s AHL affiliate. This familial connection to professional hockey provided Pierre-Luc with early exposure and mentorship in the sport. His father played in Germany, which influenced Pierre-Luc’s early development in the game.
Personal Life
Dubois holds dual citizenship in Canada and the United States through his parents. His mother, Jill, is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, while his father is Canadian. He has an older sister named Daphne. Dubois speaks both English and French fluently, reflecting his Quebec upbringing and North American heritage. He began skating at age three, demonstrating the early dedication that would carry him to professional hockey.
2025 Season Performance
As Dubois enters the 2025 season with the Washington Capitals, he aims to establish himself as a core player for a franchise building toward the future. The eight-year contract extension signals the team’s long-term commitment to his development and production. Following international duty at the 2024 World Championship, Dubois returns to NHL action with fresh momentum and experience from representing Canada on the world stage.