Montreal Canadiens Trade Linked to Flames & Oilers
The Montreal Canadiens are a team to watch on the trade market, as their season opens Tuesday night in Toronto. While they are likely going to start the year carrying three goaltenders, with Sam Montembeault likely getting traded at some point, it's actually a forward that's creating a ton of trade buzz.
Multiple insiders see Kirby Dach as a prime trade candidate this season. The former first-round pick has battled injuries throughout his career, and has yet to really carve himself out a role in Montreal. Dach is a pending unrestricted free agent, earning $3.6 million AAV.
Frank Seravalli: The Flames are in desperate search for a No. 1 center — and since those guys don’t grow on trees, Kirby Dach is the next best option, to play in concert with someone like Morgan Frost - Casino dot org (9/25)
The 25-year-old Dach doesn't hold any trade protection, and has been linked to the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames. The Oilers are desperate for a right-handed center, meanwhile the Flames need young potential to build around up front, and aren't expected to re-sign Ryan Strome to stick around past this season, or March's trade deadline for that matter.
Frank Seravalli: Re Kirby Dach future: The interest in Edmonton borders on drooling; the Oilers are intent on acquiring Dach at some point, whether that’s before the season starts, at the March 1 trade deadline, or next summer as a free agent - Casino dot org (9/25)
If Dach can reach his potential, he'll be a solid two-way 2C. Last season in 37 games, Dach scored eight goals and added seven assists. His best season came back in 2022-23, when he posted 38 points in 58 games.
Throughout his career to this point, the former No.3 pick of the Chicago Blackhawks has tallied 51 goals and 136 points in 306 career NHL games.
Kirby Dach, signed 1x$3.6M by MTL, is a bottom six centre. Unfortunately still has not been able to reclaim his pre-injury form for the Habs. pic.twitter.com/HbNagNwpXR
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 16, 2026