Canadiens eye trade involving $4M forward ahead of 2026-27 NHL season

The Montreal Canadiens have several avenues available to improve their roster ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season. One development drawing attention is reports that forward Kirby Dach has appeared in trade discussions as the club continues searching for a reliable second-line center.No trade is believed to be imminent, but the conversations suggest Montreal is open to different roster combinations if the right hockey deal comes along. This is not about moving players around for salary or cap relief. It’s about adding depth at center.Why Montreal Canadiens discussed Kirby Dach during NHL trade talksThe Montreal Canadiens have been talking about Kirby Dach in NHL trade talks, with the organization focused on adding a bona-fide second-line center. Dach has apparently been discussed in talks between teams, but Montreal would only consider moving him if the return helps improve their down-the-middle lineup.CategoryDetailsPlayerKirby DachCurrent TeamMontreal CanadiensPositionCenter / ForwardShootsRightHeight6 ft 4 in (193 cm)NationalityCanadianBirthplaceFort Saskatchewan, Alberta, CanadaAgeBorn on January 21, 2001Draft InformationSelected 3rd overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.Acquired by Montreal CanadiensTraded from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Montreal Canadiens during the 2022 NHL Draft.Current Contract StatusRestricted free agent after receiving a $4 million qualifying offer from Montreal.2025-26 Regular SeasonRecorded 15 points (8 goals, 7 assists) in 37 games while dealing with injuries.Key StrengthHigh-end skating ability with elite straight-line speed for a player of his size.Main ConcernRepeated injuries have limited his consistency and long-term development.Reason for Trade DiscussionsMontreal is seeking a dependable second-line center and could use Dach as part of a hockey trade.Montreal Canadiens' PriorityImprove center depth behind captain Nick Suzuki without sacrificing long-term roster value.Potential Trade ValueA former top-three draft pick whose age and upside continue to interest NHL clubs despite recent setbacks.Why Montreal Canadiens Are Not RushingThe club has adequate salary-cap space and is under no immediate pressure to trade Dach.Possible Trade ScenarioAny move would likely involve acquiring an NHL-ready center rather than draft picks or futures.Biggest Offseason StorylineWhether Kirby Dach returns on a new contract or becomes part of a trade package remains one of Montreal's key offseason decisions.League-Wide ImpactDach's future is being closely monitored as one of the more intriguing NHL trade rumors heading into the 2026-27 season.Kirby Dach's recent performance remains a key considerationThe third overall pick in the 2019 draft, Dach was again injury-plagued during the 2025-26 campaign. He saw his role diminish in the Stanley Cup Playoffs after posting 15 points in 37 regular-season games. His skating is still one of his best assets, even with the offensive struggles, with tracking data ranking his top speed among the NHL’s best.Contract situation gives Montreal Canadiens flexibilityThe 25-year-old is a restricted free agent after the Montreal Canadiens made him a $4 million qualifying offer. The club has a lot of salary-cap room, so management isn’t under the gun to make a trade. Instead, the front office will be able to see if Dach has a place in the team's long-term plans or more value as a trade chip.Why a potential trade remains difficult to completeThe NHL marketplace right now isn’t filled with available second-line centers with established resumes, so the negotiations are difficult. Montreal needs immediate roster help, not draft picks or future assets. With that said, the Canadiens are expected to be patient and only look to make a deal that clearly improves the team.Kirby Dach’s future is going to be one of the biggest storylines for the Montreal Canadiens this offseason, whether it’s signing a new contract or being included in a larger trade package. The organization is still in the market for a reliable center behind Nick Suzuki with both short-term competitiveness and long-term roster planning in mind.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.