A buy out is cheaper, LA also indicated they aren’t buying him out.

Retaining $3m x 7 years = $21 million
Buyout before June 24 = $28 million
Buyout after June 24 = $44 million

??

Hard pass on Dubios. I wouldn't offer a 1st round pick for him, I wouldn't even take him if LA attached a 1st to get rid of him.

Yes, he's very talented but he's been on 3 teams and he's been an issue for each of them, that's impressive for someone who hasn't turned 26.

Another way to look at...

Keep PLC........Pay $60 million....Save $0
Retention.......Pay $21 million....Save $39 million
Buyout 6/24...Pay $28 million....Save $32 million
Buyout 6/26...Pay $44 million....Save $16 million

Savings by year ($ millions)

2024-25: -1.37
2025-26: -1.47
2026-27: -0.47
2027-28: 0.78
2028-29: 0.80
2029-30: 0.82
2030-31: -0.18
2031-32: 1.13
2032-33: 1.13
2033-34: 1.13
2034-35: 1.13
2035-36: 1.13
2036-37: 1.13
2037-38: 1.13

TOTAL: 6.82m

Still a pass, it’s very clear Blake isn’t taking a loss on PLD this season, The bar is so low if he’s a 55 point player next season Blake looks smart by not moving a bad contract, which is a wise bet considering PLD played all of 30 minutes on the wing in 5v5. He’ll be fine, and this worst contract of all time nonsense is blown out of proportion.

I never said it was the worst contract…quite the opposite, I just made an ACGM that offered a 1st round pick for him.

We graciously thank you for your offer of upgrading our 2nd to a 1st for $21M retained over 7 years for a 25 year-old center. But come on Blake has already said in his presser, they are committed to making it work, his NMC kicks in July 1st, he isn't getting bought out.

LA is no stranger to criticism, Danault overpaid, Fiala overpaid, Vilardi was a bust, then Byfield was a bust, now it is Turcotte is a bust and Clarke mismanaged. PLD will put up 25 goals next season and people think Blake is smart for holding steady after overpaying for essentially the Kings new Jeff Carter.

The front office isn't moving him, they can't afford to get a new center with Kopi retiring, and PLD's contract will essentially guarantee a coach or a system that benefits him to make Blake look like he's not a moron.

I don't want PLD anywhere near this team, Captain Underachiever

You're neglecting the 5m+ replacement player cost.
If they are lucky enough to shed him, eventually, it would be for another anchor term like Meier Huberdeau

Meier lol…

FWIW, I have never said any of those things. If anything I have been bullish on Byfield, Turcotte when others weren’t.

Thanks man, Turcotte is coming, I believe! (Mainly because I don't belive in PLD)

Just overpaid a touch, which I attempted to correct.



Three teams would be a red flag for some players, but Columbus and Winnipeg are hard markets for some players. If he was pushed off two other winning clubs, it would be more worrisome…but they both kind of stunk while he was a member.

Also…he does have connection to Hughes’ (including Jim’s camp).

With all respect I think the argument you made, actually makes the idea of trading for Dubios even worse. The issue isn't that he didn't want to resign in Columbus or Winnipeg as an RFA, that's completely fine I have no problem with that. The issue is his lack of effort at times, which has been noted in LA, and more importantly that he's QUIT on teams in the past to force his way out- specifically Columbus.

It also shouldn't matter how good the teams were, if he came to NJ and the Devils struggle, does that mean he'll pack it in and force his way out again? This isn't a one off, it's 3 teams now, and the fact that there was even a discussion about potentially buying him out after year 1 of an 8yr deal, should tell you everything you need to know.

BTW all 3 of the teams he played on went to the playoffs at least once, so it's not like they were horrible.

TLDR: PLD is supremely talented, but a headcase that I wouldn't want any part of.

All fair…just throwing stuff out there to see what sticks.