"Our goal, us and the team, was to get a contract done before camp. We got that done," Dubois said. "We looked at every possible scenario and we found out that the two-year deal was the one we were closer to, us and the team, so that's the route we went. I think both sides are happy with it."
Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said he's been pleased with how Dubois has developed since being selected with the No. 3 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. Dubois scored a hat trick in Game 3 of the best-of-5 Stanley Cup Qualifiers, a 4-3 overtime win against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Aug. 6. Columbus won the series in five games.
"He's grown as a player a lot in the first three years here and I think his best hockey was in the playoffs last year where he elevated his game to another level, and that's what we expect every game," Kekalainen said. "That's what comes with the role that he plays is that when you become a player in an important role like he has been as our first-line center, you expect him to rise to another level and lead the team every day, whether it's the practice or the games and that's the responsibility of the star players in this league. And I think he has a few levels more to get to and go to and he's a hard-working player. He works hard on the ice and off the ice to become a better player, so we've always spoken highly of his potential and it comes through hard work.
"Actually, our negotiations went very smooth. It was just the timetable was what it was and as long as they don't miss any camp, I'm fine with it. I wasn't worried at all, I wasn't nervous about and it got done before the training camp started and that's the main thing."
Dubois has scored 158 points (65 goals, 93 assists) in 234 regular-season games and 19 points (eight goals, 11 assists) in 26 playoff games. He set NHL career highs in goals (27), assists (34) and points (61) in 2018-19.
"I'm excited to have the contract done and to be able to get back on the ice and play hockey again, especially with everything that is going on in the world right now," Dubois said. "I'm very fortunate and looking forward to being with my teammates at camp and the start of a new season."
