The New York Islanders are making a move that could spark some serious debate among fans: they're reportedly on the verge of signing forward Pierrick Dube. But here's where it gets controversial...Dube's journey to this point has been anything but ordinary, and his potential impact on the team is far from a sure thing.
According to Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News, the Islanders are finalizing a contract with Dube, a player who recently terminated his contract with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL. Rosner further indicated via X (formerly Twitter) that while the exact details are still emerging, the expectation is that it will be a two-way contract. This means Dube would likely start with the Bridgeport Islanders, the team's AHL affiliate. A two-way contract essentially pays a player one salary when they're in the NHL and a different, typically lower, salary when they're in the AHL. This gives the Islanders flexibility and Dube an opportunity to prove himself.
And this is the part most people miss... Dube's connection to the Islanders goes back further than you might think. Back in 2017-18, Dube started his junior hockey career with the QMJHL's Québec Remparts. At that time, none other than current Islanders Head Coach Patrick Roy was a consultant for the team. Dube then spent the next three years playing directly under Roy, who took over as head coach and General Manager of the Remparts. It's undeniable that Roy knows Dube's game intimately, which could be a huge factor in this signing. Is this familiarity a good thing, or could it lead to favoritism?
Interestingly, Dube went undrafted, a setback that often ends a player's NHL dreams before they even begin. However, Dube persevered. He signed with the ECHL's Trois-Rivières Lions near the end of the 2021-22 season. After a year and a half, he earned an AHL tryout with the Laval Rocket. He excelled with the Rocket, racking up 16 goals and 32 points in 44 games with an impressive +10 rating. This performance earned him a two-way contract with the Washington Capitals the following summer – a testament to his hard work and dedication.
His strong play continued in the AHL with the Hershey Bears the following season. Dube was a key contributor to the Bears, notching 28 goals and 48 points in 66 games with a +12 rating, placing him third in team scoring. He also shone in the playoffs, adding seven goals and 10 points in 17 games, helping the Bears secure their second consecutive Calder Cup championship. So, he's proven he can perform under pressure.
Beyond his AHL success, Dube also got a taste of the NHL with the Capitals, appearing in three games. However, he didn't record any points and spent the entire 2024-25 season back with Hershey, where he scored 19 goals and 40 points in 58 games.
Lacking significant NHL interest, Dube decided to take his talents to the KHL, joining Traktor Chelyabinsk. He started strong, scoring seven goals and 14 points in 21 games. He was then traded to SKA St. Petersburg in what appeared to be a salary dump move. However, after just two assists in seven games, he terminated his contract, paving the way for his potential signing with the Islanders.
What do you think about this potential signing? Is Dube a diamond in the rough that Patrick Roy can unlock, or is this a risky move for the Islanders? Does his KHL departure raise any red flags? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
