The Montreal Canadiens have a decision to make on Kirby Dach, and it’s not exactly a straightforward one.
According to a recent report from The Fourth Period, the Habs are open to trading the 25-year-old restricted free agent forward if it means landing a more impactful player up front. The website characterized Montreal’s front office as willing to dangle Dach as trade bait, but only in a scenario where the return brings an immediate upgrade.
Dach has been with the Canadiens for four seasons now, ever since they pulled off a pair of trades to acquire him from the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2022 NHL Draft. The No. 3 overall pick in 2019 arrived with high expectations. But injuries have been a recurring problem. Last season, he played just 37 games after a significant foot fracture and other lingering issues kept him out of the lineup. He finished the 2025-26 campaign with 15 points — eight goals and seven assists.
The Fourth Period noted that the Habs haven’t given up on Dach. They still believe he can reach his potential, and his playoff performance this year was decent. But if the right deal comes along, the team might pull the trigger.
“Dach is currently a restricted free agent, and the Habs appear open to moving him if they can upgrade their roster up front,” the outlet wrote. “Montreal hasn’t given up on him and still hope he reaches his potential – he performed well throughout the playoffs – but if the Canadiens can add an impact forward, Dach could be on the outs.”
Where Could Dach Land?
The report didn’t name any specific trade destinations. But back in early June, there was chatter that the Edmonton Oilers could be a team to watch for a potential deal involving Dach. That makes some sense. Edmonton needs forward depth, and Dach — when healthy — brings size and two-way ability that could fit in their middle six.
But it’s all speculation right now. No deal is imminent, and the Canadiens aren’t in a rush. Dach is an RFA, so they control his rights. They can wait for the right offer, or they can sign him and keep him in the fold.
The bottom line: Dach’s career has been defined by what-ifs. He’s played 60 or more games only twice in seven NHL seasons. The talent is there, but the durability isn’t. Montreal knows that. They also know they need to improve a forward group that struggled to generate consistent offense last season. If trading Dach is the way to do that, they’ll probably do it.
For now, it’s a waiting game. Free agency is open. The trade market is active. And Kirby Dach is a name that could pop up again before the summer is over.
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