Jets' Dubois Opens Up About Trade Demand Out of Columbus

Pierre-Luc Dubois wanted out from the Columbus Blue Jackets and last season received his wish. A trade materialized to the Winnipeg Jets and the rest is history. While Dubois was full of excitement heading to the Jets, the young center recently opened up to the media about the difficulties that came with the trade. 

Dubois was a guest on the 31 Thoughts Podcast and according to Sportsnet's Luke Fox and had this to say about the drama that wore him down from the deal:

For me, the hard part was when I got traded, it was the people kinda putting words in my mouth, like why he wants out. These are people that have never met me, that have no idea who I am, have probably never even done an interview with me. It was kind of tough to deal with that. It was hard on my parents, to be honest. For my mom to see stuff like that, it was tough on her. That was a very hard part in my life, and I went through it, and I'm still alive. There's worse things that can happen.

You know, the organization did so many good things for me. They drafted me third overall when nobody thought I'd go third overall. They gave me a chance. So, I don't know why I'd go out there and say bad things or say things that I might regret later on. I didn't think anybody there deserved that - the staff, the players, the fans. I thought that maybe saying less would annoy people and make people mad, but down the line, I think that's the best way to be respectful.

The 23-year-old is hopeful next season, with a clean slate, he can get his game back on track and his family can carry on with their business. He only recorded eight goals and 12 assists in 41 games last season with the Jets and look for him to have a bounce back season in 2021-22, with much less drama.

Photo credit:  Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports