NHL Rumors: Pierre-Luc Dubois on why he wanted out of Columbus, Maple Leafs looking for forward help, and more
Anthony Scultore
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Pierre-Luc Dubois is not a part of the Blue Jackets anymore. This saga has been going since just before the New Year, and finally came to a head yesterday.
He was packaged with a third round pick to the Winnipeg Jets for two disgruntled players in Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic.
NHL Rumors: Pierre-Luc Dubois provides reasons for wanting to be traded
In an interview with Ron MacLean, Dubois finally gave some insights as to why he wanted out.
“It was a process. I was thinking about it a long time, it wasn’t overnight, it wasn’t I just woke up one morning and it was a decision to make,” Dubois answered. “It was something I thought about, and as negotiations were going, you obviously don’t take anything personally, but as they go longer and longer, you kind of start to think about stuff and situations.”
“At some point I thought…that if it was a longer deal I would’ve wanted [a trade] to happen.”
Dubois was also very contrite towards his teammates because he has so much respect for them. He also wanted it clear that he didn’t want to be traded because of John Tortorella.
“He’s a hard coach, I can take it,” Dubois said during an interview with “Hockey Night in Canada” on Saturday. “Nothing’s personal. I grew up with a dad who’s a coach and he told me if a coach challenges you, it’s never personal; he just wants what’s best for you. And that’s how I see ‘Torts’ and I have nothing but respect for him.”
“And that’s something that wasn’t always easy, but you have to appreciate the honesty and appreciate that he was trying to make me a better player, make me a better person. And I know for some people it might be that’s the reason, but it’s not.”
NHL.COM
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