The LA Kings paid a hefty price to acquire Pierre-Luc Dubois from the Winnipeg Jets, followed by securing him with an eight-year, $68 million contract.
Just one year into the agreement and days away from Pierre-Luc Dubois turning 26, it seems the LA Kings are considering buying him out. This could result in the longest buyout in NHL history, spanning 14 years.
The NHL's buyout rules spark controversy, especially regarding age restrictions. If a player is bought out before turning 26, the buyout is valued at 1/3 of the remaining contract. However, if the buyout occurs after their 26th birthday, it amounts to 2/3 of the remaining contract value.
Pierre-Luc Dubois will celebrate his 26th birthday at the end of this month. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the LA Kings may consider buying him out before he turns 26, provided the Stanley Cup Finals do not extend to a seventh game.
"We heard GM Rob Blake say at locker cleanout day that the Kings were not planning on buying out Dubois. But this makes too much sense. At least until June 24, it does. That's when Dubois turns 26. For now, he is 25, and that means the Kings are only responsible for paying one-third of the money remaining on his deal, instead of two-thirds which happens when he celebrates his 26th birthday." - Frank Seravalli