In the latest episode of his 32 Thoughts podcast, hockey insider Elliotte Friedman touched on the possibility that Kirby Dach, a forward for the Montreal Canadiens, could pique the interest of a team like the Pittsburgh Penguins. The discussion centered around Kyle Dubas, the Penguins’ general manager, who is likely seeking players that could thrive with a change of scenery, a strategy that mirrors how Kent Hughes approached acquiring Dach.
It’s important to clarify that Friedman was only speculating about a potential trade and didn’t suggest anything was on the verge of happening. However, given Dach’s sluggish start to the season, the notion isn’t without merit. Currently, he has recorded just one goal and seven assists in 22 games, putting him on track for merely 30 points—a significant drop in production. Additionally, his strong underlying statistics have plummeted dramatically.
Dach’s contributions, which were once vital during every shift, have diminished to the point where he is negatively impacting his teammates. His transition play has yet to show itself, and it’s evident he’s making poor decisions that go beyond just being out of form.
Friedman noted, “Just last week, he was averaging 19 minutes per game, but now he’s dropped to under 15 in his last two outings.” He speculated on Pittsburgh’s potential interest in Dach, saying, “I’m just saying, if you’re seeking players Kyle Dubas might consider, Dach could fit that bill alongside veterans like Malkin and Crosby.”
Kyle Bukauskas, a well-respected figure in hockey, quickly pointed out that the Canadiens are nowhere near ready to move Dach. He said, “I wouldn’t expect Montreal to give up on a young talent so early, as that’s not how Gorton or Hughes operate.”
Friedman is known for discussing all things hockey, and while he may not have a complete picture of every team’s situation, he offers solid insights. Nonetheless, as Bukauskas highlighted, the main challenge with this trade proposal is that the Canadiens have no plans to part with Dach, especially considering his trade value is currently low due to his injury history.
Ultimately, the return for Dach would likely be minimal compared to the price Montreal initially paid to acquire him, using the 13th overall pick and an early third-round pick. The Blackhawks utilized that pick to select Frank Nazar, a promising center now excelling in the AHL.
It’s essential to acknowledge the cost of acquiring Dach: Montreal traded away valuable assets, including a pick that could have secured another talented player. The Canadiens are focused on asset management and patience, especially with Dach, who remains a part of their long-term plans. While a great offer from the Penguins could reopen discussions, the Canadiens are unlikely to entertain such a move at this point in their rebuilding process, particularly for a player who would require several more years to positively impact their lineup.
This information was originally published by Montreal Hockey Now.
