Kings Head Coach Throws Pierre-Luc Dubois Under the Bus Amid Disaster Season
This was supposed to be a good year for the Los Angeles Kings. The trade and sign for Pierre-Luc Dubois in the offseason looked like a slam dunk that would drive the team to a playoff run, and possible even a deep one. It hasn't worked out, and the head coach of the Kings seems like he's growing tired of the way Dubois is playing.
Kings' Head Coach is Tired of Dubois's Lack of Production this Season
Following a 4-3 shootout loss to the lowly San Jose Sharks last night, Todd McLellan was asked why Dubois, who is making $8.5 million per season, was on the ice for just over 16 minutes in the entire game, and very little in overtime. McLellan made it clear Dubois has to get going now, and play the way he's supposed to play.
"At the end of the day whether PL gets four minutes or gets 24 minutes he has to be a difference maker. And with or without the puck we've gone through this long enough. It's time."
It's a pretty good indication that McLellan is fed up with Dubois and his lack of production this season. While he started the year on the Kings' top line, Dubois has been demoted to the third, and even fourth line in recent games. Another sign that McLellan has little confidence in him right now.
Dubois Gets Ripped by his Head Coach after Another Dismal Game
What's happening with Los Angeles isn't entirely on Dubois, as several members of the team aren't playing at the level they should be. However, Dubois is the young star who rejected Winnipeg for the Kings, and he's expected to make a difference when he's on the ice. So far this season, there's been little of that. Dubois has 9 goals and 19 points in 44 games so far, and is on pace for his worst season since since entering the NHL, outside of the COVID years.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 23 | 233 ANSWERS Kings Head Coach Throws Pierre-Luc Dubois Under the Bus Amid Disaster Season Do you think Dubois can turn it around this season? | ||
| Yes | 49 | 21 % |
| No | 144 | 61.8 % |
| Not sure | 40 | 17.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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