LA Kings' Pierre-Luc Dubois Opens Up About Past Trade Demands

After being the third overall selection of the Columbus Blue Jackets at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Pierre-Luc Dubois wasn't able to make it work. He would spend just over three seasons as a Blue Jacket, before getting shipped to the Winnipeg Jets for Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic. After just under three seasons in Winnipeg, things didn't work out. PLD was then moved to the LA Kings this past summer and he's admitted that every he wakes up to play hockey in California feels like a vacation. 

Dubois, who has faced his fair share of scrutiny while in Columbus and Winnipeg is looking forward to his fresh start in LA. Shortly after the trade he signed a long-term extension to remain a King and after this season has his no-movement clause kick in.

While it's been somewhat of a slow start for Dubois as he's pointless in two games so far this season for the Kings, he recently met up with the media to shine some light on his past trade demands:

I knew when I asked for my trade from Columbus, I'd get criticized. I knew when this situation happened in Winnipeg, I'd get criticized. I had to look at it like, 'Do I not want to get criticized but not do what I want to do … or do I want to get criticized but be happy with my life?'. Everybody's entitled to their opinion. At the end of the day, it's my life: I only live once. I only have one career. A lot of times, people have the mindset that if he did this, it's because he hated that. But it's not like that at all. That's the main thing I would say if you asked me what I wanted people to understand: You can like two things at the same time. You can appreciate two different things at the same time.

Dubois gets set to face off against the Jets on Tuesday and admits it's going to be a special night. Kings faithful are hopeful he can finally get on the scoresheet against his old club.

Photo credit:  Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports