The New York Islanders are reportedly on the verge of signing forward Pierrick Dube, and this move could be a game-changer for their depth! But here's where it gets controversial: Dube's journey to the NHL has been anything but conventional, and some might question whether he's truly ready for the big leagues.
According to Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News, the Islanders are finalizing a deal with Dube after he terminated his contract with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL. Rosner anticipates the contract will be a two-way agreement, meaning Dube will likely start with the Bridgeport Islanders, their AHL affiliate. This allows the Islanders to bring him up to the NHL roster as needed while managing their salary cap. Think of it like having a reliable player in the minor leagues ready to jump in when injuries or performance issues arise in the NHL.
Now, what makes this signing particularly interesting is Dube's prior connection with Islanders head coach Patrick Roy. Back in 2017-18, Dube played his first season of junior hockey with the QMJHL’s Québec Remparts. During that season, Roy served as a consultant for the team. More significantly, for the subsequent three years, Dube played directly under Roy after he took on the roles of head coach and General Manager. This pre-existing relationship could give Dube a significant advantage, as he already understands Roy's coaching style and expectations.
Dube's path to professional hockey is a testament to his perseverance. Despite going undrafted, he signed with the ECHL’s Trois-Rivières Lions towards the end of the 2021-22 season. After a year and a half there, he earned an AHL tryout with the Laval Rocket. And this is the part most people miss: Dube didn't just get by; he thrived! He racked up an impressive 16 goals and 32 points in just 44 games, with a +10 rating. This strong performance led to a two-way contract with the Washington Capitals the following summer, proving that hard work and dedication can open doors even without the initial draft pedigree.
He continued to shine in the AHL with the Hershey Bears, notching 28 goals and 48 points in 66 games, with a +12 rating, making him third in team scoring. He also added 7 goals and 10 points in 17 playoff games, contributing significantly to the Bears' Calder Cup championship run. Winning back-to-back Calder Cups is no small feat, and Dube played a key role in the second victory.
Speaking of the Capitals, Dube did get a taste of the NHL, playing three games for Washington. While he didn't score, simply reaching the NHL is a significant accomplishment for an undrafted player. He spent the entire 2024-25 season with Hershey, maintaining a solid offensive output with 19 goals and 40 points in 58 games.
Facing limited NHL interest, Dube decided to test the waters in the KHL, joining Traktor Chelyabinsk. He started strong, scoring seven goals and 14 points in 21 games. However, he was later traded to SKA St. Petersburg in what appeared to be a salary-driven move. After recording two assists in seven games, he ultimately terminated his contract, paving the way for his potential signing with the Islanders.
So, what does this all mean for the Islanders? Are they getting a diamond in the rough, a player who can provide valuable depth and scoring ability? Or is this simply a low-risk gamble with a player who has yet to prove himself at the NHL level? Given his history with Coach Roy, Dube might just have the inside track to making an impact. What do you think? Will Dube be a key contributor for the Islanders, or will he remain a career AHL player? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
