Canadiens Looking To Move Kirby Dach

After so much promise in his first season with the Montreal Canadiens in 2022-23, injuries and underwhelming performance have marked the last three years for Kirby Dach.

As a restricted free agent, he's filed for arbitration this summer, but after his eight goals and 15 points in 37 games this past year, he doesn't have a solid case going in. Besides, Dach and the team are likely heading for a divorce anyway.

Insider David Pagnotta tells us that the Habs are open to moving Dach in looking to upgrade their forward corps, notably down the middle.

Montreal hasn't given up on him and still hope he reaaches his potential... but if they can add an impact forward, Dach could be on the outs.

"With the Canadiens still looking to upgrade their 2C position... Maybe Dach is a player that's utilized in some type of package along those lines. But his name, as I said, has been circulating. We'll see if it continues to, as the summer moves along," Pagnotta said on the DFO rundown.

We also have some more details from Eric Engels of Sportsnet, who tells us that Dach filed for arbitration after he was given a two-way qualifying offer by the Canadiens. 

A little more on this filing; Dach was given a two-way QO by the Canadiens because he played less than 60 games last season and less than 180 over the last three combined. Generally, an NHLer gets a one-way QO. https://t.co/LjqiKMegNe

— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) July 6, 2026

By playing less than 60 games in the previous season and less than 180 over the last three seasons combined, a two-way QO is allowed. Dach was obviously not pleased with that development. And the feeling seems to be mutual.

The former 3rd overall pick of the Chicago Blackhawks (2019 Draft) showed flashes of brilliance during his first season in Montreal, putting up a career-high 14 goals and 38 points in 58 games, but quickly saw his time with the Habs derailed due to severe knee injuries and other problems. 

The Canadiens are currently set to enter the 2026-27 season with the defensive-minded Jake Evans as the second-line center. Not an ideal situation. They hope to use Dach as a piece, at least, in a trade to land a 2C.