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Columbus Blue Jackets: Pierre-Luc Dubois is Ready to Make the Jump

By Tony Mazziotti

BUFFALO, NY - JUNE 24: Pierre-Luc Dubois, selected third overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets, poses for a portrait during round one of the 2016 NHL Draft at First Niagara Center on June 24, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - JUNE 24: Pierre-Luc Dubois, selected third overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets, poses for a portrait during round one of the 2016 NHL Draft at First Niagara Center on June 24, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Pierre-Luc Dubois’ 2016-17 season didn’t exactly go as planned, but it provided him with valuable experience. Now, his focus is making it to the NHL this fall.

Canadian-born forward Pierre-Luc Dubois has been making headlines since his arrival to the Columbus Blue Jackets organization.

Being drafted by the team third overall in 2016 was shocking to many in the hockey world. After almost making the Blue Jackets last year, and then a roller coaster of a season back in juniors, Dubois is ready for the NHL.

Unless, for some reason, he has the worst training camp possible, expect Dubois to be on the roster. When he matches up against other centers for the spot in camp, his talent will prove to be superior than Jordan Shroeder and others competing for the spot.

The Next Anze Kopitar?

EliteProspects calls Dubois, “A phenomenal two-way power forward who thrives under pressure.” They also suggest, “He is the type of player nobody likes to play against.”

His style of play is compared to all-star and Stanley Cup Champion Anze Kopitar. Picturing the Blue Jackets adding a Kopitar-like player is quite comforting to say the least.

Dubois scored 55 points in 48 regular season games in the QMJHL last year. He added 22 points in 19 postseason games. In 2015-16, he totaled 99 points in 62 games played.

Don’t conclude the lower numbers as a regression, though. He’s much more ready to compete for a spot after going through an NHL training camp last year.

Being traded mid-season in the QMJHL sparked Dubois to play at a level everyone was used to seeing him at. The trade was exactly what he needed after a slow start.

The time is now for Dubois to take the next step. With William Karlsson on his way to Las Vegas, it’s his spot to lose.

The NHL is young man’s league these days. Connor McDavid, a 20-year old, just won the Hart Trophy, and an increasing amount of young players are making a huge impact on their team.

Next: Columbus Blue Jackets: The Ohio Preseason Tour

The Columbus Blue Jackets won’t have to worry about rushing Pierre-Luc to the NHL, like they have with previous prospects, because he is ready. He will fit in with the rest of the team, and league, for that matter.

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