Report: Montreal Canadiens Likely Trading Kirby Dach in 2025-26

The Montreal Canadiens are expected to be very active on the trade market this season. General manager Kent Hughes knows his team is very close to contending, and with a couple of adjustments to the top of his roster, there could be big things coming in Montreal.

According to Daily Faceoff's Marco D'Amico, the Canadiens may considering moving forward Kirby Dach to secure what will likely be a veteran number-two center. 

Marco D'Amico: "Although the Canadiens feel confident that Kirby Dach will seize the opportunity, they won’t hesitate to make a move when things open up if they feel it will help them in the long term" - RG (8/31)

Dach, 24, is a 6-foot-4 forward with loads of untapped potential and a history of injury concerns. He'll be entering his fourth season with the Canadiens and is coming off a year where he managed to dress in 57 games, scoring 10 goals and 22 points. 

Dach's best season was back in 2022-23 when he recorded a career high 38 points in 58 games. As the Canadiens look to secure a top-six forward for next season and beyond to add to their group of uber-talented forwards, Dach's name is going to lead conversations.

Hughes also has Carey Price's contract that he's trying to move to shed $10.5 million off the Canadiens' cap. They'll start the year in LTIR, and ideally, they rid themselves of Price's money and can have an easier avenue to navigate ahead of the trade deadline in the spring.

While the Noah Dobson blockbuster draft-day trade cost a couple big-time draft picks, Hughes does still have plenty in the cupboards, with his 2026 first-rounder, along with two second-rounders.

Keep an eye on the Canadiens. They are a very exciting team to watch and could make some serious noise in Eastern Conference, with a GM who is ready to pull the trigger on another big deal.

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