I don't hate it from the Caps perspective and if he finds his game back in Washington, no one will care about his salary at that point.
I've said this over and over again and others think I'm in love with Dubois. What I have seen is fans/media gang up on him. Some of it was deserved but not all of it.
Lets revisit it:
1) Asked out of Columbus and likely wanted to be traded to the Habs. Habs didn't have a Laine to offer and Jets interfered. Remember the "his dad is in Winnipeg and he will stay" narrative?
2) Had a meh season with the Jets after the trade. Was OK against the Oilers in the 1st round by not so good against "his Habs" in the 2nd round.
3) Jets tried to convince him to stay. They put Scheifele on the 2nd line and played Dubois with Connor. Dubois was pt/game guy then. Once Dubois told them he would not extend, he was moved off the line with less talent and the fade into the shadows happened.
4) Kings had great center depth and then interfered (like the Jets) because he did want to play for the Habs. Dubois agent likely found out what we would offer if he reached UFA and it was not $8.5M so they decided to sign with the Kings.
5) Kings strategy was to spread out talent over 3 lines with Dubois playing 3C. Not the right strategy for Dubois. He is not the type to lead a line by himself. Some fans and NHL managers need to come to grips with this. He's actually a power forward winger to me but someone who can play center if required.
Caps have plans to play him #1C with Ovi because they need a center. I bet you the better Dubois comes out again. Rollercoaster ride is not over yet boys and girls.
And why does he get moved down the lineup on every team?
See post above. Tried to explain his journey well. Once again, he's not entirely innocent but there are usage/management problems connected to it.