A year ago, almost to the day, it was a party at the Los Angeles Kings.

General manager Rob Blake was all smiles. It was only natural, since he had just acquired a prestigious player. This big, agile forward who instantly made his center line one of the most dangerous in the NHL.

His new protégé cost him dearly, since he had to give up three players and a second-round pick to get him. And the new eight-year, $68 million contract that he added to his payroll was not going to make his daily life as a manager any easier. But the cost was worth it, he assured.

The same Rob Blake had a much longer face on Wednesday. It was only natural, since he had just exchanged this jewel acquired at a high price a year ago, almost to the day.

Pierre-Luc Dubois, in fact, was traded to the Washington Capitals in exchange for goaltender Darcy Kuemper. A rare one-for-one transaction, with no payroll deduction or other compensation.

He obviously looks crazy, and he knows it. The management team misjudged Dubois’ potential in the very specific system the Kings deploy – defense first, then we’ll see. The Quebecer, as evidenced by his production of 40 points in 82 games, was out of place. He quickly found himself behind Anze Kopitar and Phillip Danault in the center pecking order. His ice time was not that of a player of his status. Its impact was marginal.

Twice, by videoconference, on Wednesday, the CEO repeated that he took responsibility for the integration of Dubois. Without complimenting his player, he did not criticize him either.

Now, let us insist: in the circumstances, Blake managed to limit his losses. Following his club’s elimination in five games against the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the playoffs, he came to the obvious conclusion that he had made a mistake. Now he had to try to correct it, which was infinitely easier said than done.

Buying out his contract was never a possible scenario, the manager insisted on Wednesday. It was therefore necessary to exchange him, and quickly, since a no-movement clause will be activated in his contract on July 1st.

At the beginning of June, the GM showed up at the NHL prospects evaluation camp in Buffalo with a ball to sell. An unproductive player who will average 8.5 million for another seven years, coupled with a 2016 first round pick (3rd overall) who failed to find happiness in three different organizations. Good luck.

It was almost certain that no club aspiring to the Stanley Cup would show interest. No more than one of the many teams in reconstruction, which we would understand to hesitate to build around a player who embodies the antithesis of stability.

The Kings certainly had to accept a burden in return. At 34, Darcy Kuemper isn’t exactly the face of freshness or youth anymore. His two-season stint in the American capital was sometimes okay, sometimes painful, and he still has to earn 5.25 million on average for three years.

But it was an acceptable compromise in Los Angeles, where turnover in goal is a tradition anyway. For the sake of saving nearly $44 million in salary cap space by 2031, it was a small price to pay. Deal done.

This transaction, moreover, is absolutely consistent with the Capitals’ philosophy. After winning the Stanley Cup in 2018, they decided to hang on to an aging core rather than renew it.

The current roster isn’t particularly inspiring, nor is the prospect pool. It’s clear that the short-term goal is to allow Alexander Ovechkin to finish his career with a decent club, probably by breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 goals. Every little victory counts, such as a surprising appearance in the 2024 playoffs.

But to keep this club decent, it needed to be strengthened at center immediately. No young player in the organization is ready to lead an NHL top line. Dylan Strome needs help. And Nicklas Backstrom likely won’t play hockey again.

Dubois can accept this mission. The words of general manager Brian MacLellan, in a press release published by the team, were clear: “Given his size, his exceptional skating and his great intelligence of the game, we are confident that he will flourish [ in Washington] with increased responsibilities. »

The “potential” that MacLellan speaks of in the same statement is not fictitious: three seasons of 27 or 28 goals and as many harvests of at least 60 points. A 6’4”, 225 lb center capable of this offensive output will never leave a GM indifferent. Even if it arrives with the cannonball label.

A ball and chain that will weigh less than in Los Angeles, especially since the departure of Kuemper will allow Charlie Lindgren to confirm his status as a starter and for young goalies in the organization to gain experience. The Capitals, moreover, have money in the coffers. In a short or medium term strategy, they might as well invest it in an established player. Like Dubois.

The burden of some, in short, can sometimes bring happiness to others. It just makes for more sober celebrations when they change sides.