The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly open to trading center Kirby Dach to acquire a top-six forward, according to reporting from David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period. While the team has issued Dach a $4MM qualifying offer to retain his rights, front-office discussions with other clubs have surfaced the 25-year-old as a potential trade chip to secure a stable second-line pivot.
Why is Kirby Dach a trade candidate for the Canadiens?
Montreal is searching for a consistent center to support Nick Suzuki. Dach’s value is currently tied to his elite skating—his 23.42 MPH max speed ranks in the 94th percentile of all skaters—but his production has been hampered by injuries. He recorded 15 points in 37 games last season, averaging 0.41 points per game.
The team’s urgency stems from a thin internal pipeline at center. However, the Canadiens aren’t in a rush to sell. According to PuckPedia, Montreal holds over $14.2MM in cap space, giving them the flexibility to keep Dach or absorb a new contract.
What are the potential trade scenarios for Montreal?
The market for impact centers is tight. While Dylan Larkin remains available, reports suggest the Canadiens are not on the short list of destinations he would accept. The team also missed out on Vincent Trocheck, who was off the board as of July 1.
Montreal may instead target “reclamation project” players. Potential candidates include Morgan Frost or Shane Wright. Both the Calgary Flames and Seattle Kraken could be interested in Dach to bolster their own forward depth in exchange for these players.
Dach’s Performance Metrics vs. Market Value
There is a gap between Dach’s physical tools and his statistical output. While he hit a career-high 41.4% faceoff win rate, his power-play usage declined and his average time on ice dropped to a career-low 13:39 per game.
Financial projections also vary. While the team offered a $4MM qualifying offer, AFP Analytics projects a more modest two-year contract averaging $2.225MM annually if the player goes to arbitration.
How does this impact the Canadiens’ long-term roster?
Trading Dach would be a gamble on a different asset’s health and consistency. Dach has suffered two right ACL tears in the last three years. If Montreal moves him for a player like Shane Wright, they are essentially swapping one high-ceiling, injury-prone or underperforming asset for another.
The primary goal remains finding a “stable” pivot. Until a deal with a team like Calgary or Seattle materializes, Dach remains the primary depth option for a team with no other internal candidates ready for a top-six role.
FAQ: Kirby Dach Trade Rumors
Is Kirby Dach definitely being traded?
No. David Pagnotta reports his name has “popped up” in talks, but the team has already issued a qualifying offer to retain his rights.
Who could the Canadiens get in return for Dach?
The team is looking for a top-six forward, specifically a center. Names like Morgan Frost and Shane Wright have been mentioned as potential fits.
How much cap space does Montreal have?
According to PuckPedia, the Canadiens have over $14.2MM in available cap space.
What do you think of the Canadiens’ strategy? Should they keep Dach’s speed or gamble on a new center? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more NHL trade analysis.