"Yes, we heard General Manager Rob Blake say on locker clean-out day that the Kings did not intend to buy out Dubois.
But it makes too much sense. At least until June 24th, that's the case. That's when Dubois will turn 26. For now, he's 25, which means the Kings are only responsible for paying one-third of the remaining money on his contract, instead of the two-thirds that would be due when he celebrates his 26th birthday.
If the Cup Final goes to Game 7, that won't be possible.
And, of course, a 14-year buyout seems painful now, but the majority of the cap hits are negligible at a time when the cap will far exceed $100 million a year. The Kings would save $32 million in real money, which is a substantial amount.
It's better to admit a mistake and pay a lower price rather than double down and see much worse damage in the long run." - Frank Seravalli
