He absolutely moves us out of the top three; possibly the top five. Dubois would have been our second highest point scorer last season. Not to mention, we had an insane amount of injuries, which contributed to us being so bad. So even without him, we probably won't be tanking to the degree Chicago and Arizona are. Regardless, why pay assets on top of worsening our draft position for a player we can simply sign a few years later and be better for it?
If Winnipeg wants our junk contracts like Hoffman. Sure, we can entertain a trade. No chance, Dach, Barron, Guhle or even our 2nd is apart of it.
That "long-term top six center" has quit on two teams now and been a complete baby about it. I'm not exactly keen on giving up any decent assets then throwing a 7M+ contract at a kid whose career season is 61 points.
Dubois can demand whatever he likes. We aren't obligated to give it to him. Right now, he isn't worth anywhere near 9M. If he wants to play for the Habs, he'll be taking less or we'll just not sign him. Keep in mind, he wants to play for us. We weren't actively trying to acquire him.