Canadiens May Be Showcasing Kirby Dach For Trade
McGuire said on The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro that Montreal is "showcasing him going forward."
"I think they're trying to expose Kirby at the highest level so that people might take an interest in him," McGuire said.
An Injury Created The Opening
Dach moved up because Ivan Demidov will miss two to four weeks with a lower-body injury, which the Canadiens announced Tuesday, and Florian Xhekaj made his season debut in the same lineup.
Demidov, 20, had a goal and an assist in two games this season after scoring 62 points in 82 games last year.
David Pagnotta on TheMugNHL Show about Kirby Dach: “I think teams know he’s available if the right package’s there. I don’t think the Montreal Canadiens are actively trying to get rid of him […] A lot of teams do this, right; here’s some of the guys we’re willing to listen on, give us a call when you wanna get serious. I think that’s where the Canadiens are with Dach.” #GoHabsGo #NHL
— R i N K Y (@RinkyReport) October 5, 2026
Dach and Alex Newhook are playing in the top six in spots that would ideally be third-line roles, with Newhook filling in for the injured Oliver Kapanen.
Dach is an unrestricted free agent this summer, which makes the opportunity a chance to build a case for his next contract.
Edmonton's Interest Is The Backdrop
Frank Seravalli reported in late September that Edmonton is intent on acquiring Dach, whether before the season, at the deadline, or as a free agent next summer.
"The interest in Edmonton borders on drooling," Seravalli wrote.
He also reported that teams offered Montreal second-round picks for Dach in June, but the Canadiens wanted immediate roster help instead of picks.
Dach is 25, was the third overall pick in 2019, and carries a $3.6 million cap hit on the one-year deal he signed with Montreal in July.
He had 15 points in 37 games last season.
Demidov's timeline is two to four weeks, which gives Dach a stretch in the top six to make his case.
