Appearing on Hockey Night in Canada Saturday, Pierre-Luc Dubois spoke more about why he requested a trade from the Blue Jackets and cleared up something for fans: It wasn't because of John Tortorella.
In a sit down with Ron MacLean, Dubois said he knew what he was getting with Tortorella when he was drafted third overall by the Blue Jackets in 2016.
“Before I got drafted to Columbus, I knew what kind of coach he was and I heard from players that played for him in the past,” Dubois said. “I heard from Vincent Lecavalier, I heard from Martin St. Louis, and the consensus I got, and this is my opinion, is that he helps guys.”
“It's hard sometimes to see it when you're 20 and in the moment,” the center continued. ”But all of those guys all said the same thing: One day when you're older, you'll look back at it and you'll remember that he did great things for your career.”
Asked whether incidents like the shouting match between player and coach in the postseason bubble series against Toronto might have led to him wanting out of town, Dubois shot it down.
“I know for some people, it might be that's the reason, but it's not,” Dubois said. “He's a hard coach but I can take it. Nothing's personal. I grew up with a dad coaching and he told me if a coach challenges you, it's never personal. He just wants what's best for you. That's how I see Torts and I have nothing but respect for him.”
Whatever the reason, Dubois is now a Winnipeg Jet.
