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Kirby Dach’s Reported Contract Extension a Gamble for Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens and free agent Kirby Dach are reportedly discussing a long-term deal that proves risky.

One of the biggest trades that happened on Day 1 of the 2022 NHL Draft on July 7 was when the Chicago Blackhawks traded center Kirby Dach to the Montreal Canadiens as part of a three-team trade with the New York Islanders. In return, Chicago received the 13th (first round) and 66th overall (third round) draft picks.

Related: Canadiens Trade Alex Romanov to Islanders, Then Land Kirby Dach

Dach is coming off of his three-year, entry-level deal with the Blackhawks, making him a restricted free agent, and most are surprised to hear that he is still without a contract extension from the Canadiens. General manager Kent Hughes has kept mum on contract talks, and not much was reported until Sept. 1, when Canadiens’ insider Eric Engels released an update:

When looking at Dach’s career thus far, you wouldn’t automatically think he has a ton of leverage in contract negotiations. First, he ran into bad luck with breaking his wrist at the World Junior Championship in Dec. 2020, which caused him to play in only 18 games during the 2020-21 season. Then, he missed some time with a sprained right shoulder last season.

Although Dach was the former top pick of the Blackhawks, he continually faced criticism for underperforming, despite the injuries, which made a fresh start ideal for both sides. He finished his career in Chicago with 19 goals, 40 assists, and 59 points in 152 games with a 34.6% faceoff percentage.

Kirby Dach former Blackhawks NHL
Kirby Dach former Blackhawks NHL

Montreal was 13th-worst in the NHL last season with a team 49.2% faceoff percentage, and they were looking for center depth to complement Nick Suzuki for the future. Dach fits the bill for center depth, but this contract seems like a gamble for the Canadiens. Dach has yet to show he can consistently produce at the dot and the scoresheet, and a four-year term seems like something they could regret if he continues to underperform.

Did the Canadiens Guess Right with Dach?

However, the Canadiens think highly of Dach, and both the team and Dach himself believe he has yet to reach his full potential, and they’re hoping next year is his breakout year as he has the skill. Hughes said they believe they can “get him to a point where he’s a pretty special centreman.” The proposed contract certainly signals their commitment and belief in him, but that’s a lot of money to offer to a player with many question marks.

Moreover, the Canadiens are rebuilding, and with Dach being 21 years old and in a new environment, he could thrive and prove why the Blackhawks initially selected him third overall. With Carey Price’s $10.5 million cap hitting the long-term injured reserve next season, they’ll have $4.4 million in cap space to work with, so money is not a concern.

It looks like getting Dach locked up is Montreal’s number one priority, but for now, it’s questionable if they’ll ultimately agree to a long-term deal. Either way, the Habs and Dach are eager to prove people wrong next season with their new partnership.

Next: Stars Sign Jake Oettinger To 3-Year Contract Extension

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