The Kings quickly cut their losses. The Capitals offloaded a goalie they no longer wanted. They both made out better than anyone expected.

Dubois, who returns to Crypto.com Arena for the first time as a Capital on Thursday, left Los Angeles a distressed asset. In Washington, he has been an impactful player from the start.

Pierre-Luc Dubois didn't last long with the Los Angeles Kings. Just one season into his eight-year contract, he was traded to the Washington Capitals last June for goalie Darcy Kuemper.