Struble is also an A prospect especially with the year hes having and considering his age (september born). Caufield is untouchable as well. Danault and the first are the base. Then add a salary ; Armia (great top 9 winger with elite PK skills). Then add a prospect of
Your choice not named Caufield (because we need him and his goals way more than Dubois tbh) ; Guhle is looking like another Romanov. Obviously, it would hurt to lose him but one of Harris, Struble or Norlinder could step up. Also, your offer is basically giving away 4 first picks which is insane (no wonders team dont OS that much).
So, Danault extended, Guhle, Armia and an unprotected first for Dubois

Not too bad

Is KK really an untouchable for Dubois though? Dubois is basically just an upgrade on him. KK would be limited to the 3rd line center for the rest of his time in montreal.

IMO, Dubois would switch to LW while taking specific faceoffs if he ever come to MTL. He played there his whole junior career and hes got everything you want in a powerforward.
Drouin-Suzuki-Anderson
Dubois-KK-Toffoli
Tatar-Poehling-Gallagher

Of course, I expect him to take Danaults place when he arrives (between Tatar and Gally) but on the long run, he will be on the W

Where does caufield fit in on the right side though? I’d move him to get a guy like Dubois in a heartbeat, I’m not sold at all on him. And I would see kk as a winger before PLD. Plus I don’t think Columbus entertains anything not involving Suzuki or Kk unless caufield is involved