After an aggressive offseason that reshaped much of their roster, the Edmonton Oilers may not be done making moves.
With a decent amount of salary cap space still available, one NHL analyst believes Stan Bowman should take a chance on a talented but injury-prone 25-year-old center from the Montreal Canadiens.
Canadiens Center Emerges as Oilers Trade Target
Kirby Dach’s name has surfaced in trade rumors following a difficult offseason in Montreal.
The 25-year-old initially rejected the Canadiens’ two-way qualifying offer and filed for salary arbitration before the two sides agreed to a one-year, $3.6 million contract. While the deal avoided arbitration, it also raised questions about Dach’s long-term future with the organization.
Edmonton analyst Allan Mitchell believes Edmonton should consider taking a chance on the former third-overall pick.
“A talented player with size (6-foot-4, 221 pounds), speed (94th percentile, via NHL Edge) and skill (No. 3 at the 2019 draft), injuries have dashed a promising career. His contract will take him to full free agency, but it’s possible the Canadiens would be open to a trade before then,” Mitchell noted.
Mitchell also pointed to Dach’s underlying numbers from last season, highlighting his 1.09 goals per 60 minutes, 1.77 points per 60, a 50 percent goal share, and a 40 percent faceoff win rate.
“He isn’t a full-time centre, but if the Oilers plan to run McDavid-Draisaitl on the same line, Dach would be an option for strong-side faceoffs on the second line and has the potential to be an offensive difference-maker if he can stay healthy,” he added.
There’s no denying Dach’s talent, but staying healthy has been his biggest challenge.
Since arriving in Montreal, Dach has played just 154 of a possible 328 regular-season games. Last season, he appeared in only 37 games after suffering a fractured foot, adding to a growing list of injury setbacks.
Why Edmonton Makes Sense
The Oilers still have just under $5 million in cap space, giving general manager Stan Bowman flexibility to add another impact forward before the season begins.
A move for Dach could also carry a personal element. Edmonton recently signed his younger brother, Colton Dach, to a two-year extension after acquiring him from the Chicago Blackhawks. Growing up just outside Edmonton, the brothers were Oilers fans, making a reunion an intriguing possibility.
Montreal, meanwhile, has decisions to make.
Nick Suzuki remains firmly established as the club’s top center, while several young players continue pushing for larger roles. With Dach eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2027, the Canadiens could decide to move him now rather than risk losing him for nothing.
Because of his injury history, Montreal is unlikely to command a massive return. A package centered around a 2027 second-round pick and either Ty Emberson or Alex Regula could be enough to start a conversation.
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Trading for Dach would certainly come with risk, but it could also offer significant upside.
If he can stay healthy, the former top-three pick has the talent to thrive in Edmonton while playing behind Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, making him a worthwhile gamble for the Oilers.
