Will Kirby Dach Find His Way Home? The Oilers’ Growing Interest
The 2026-27 NHL regular season is officially underway, and while the players are battling on the ice, the front offices are already playing a high-stakes game of chess. As teams assess their rosters and identify critical gaps, one name has emerged as a primary target for the Edmonton Oilers: Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach.
According to industry insider Frank Seravalli, the Oilers aren’t just interested in Dach—they are practically “drooling” over the possibility of bringing him to Alberta. But what is driving this sudden urgency, and why would the Canadiens consider parting ways with a talented young center?
The Missing Piece: A Right-Shot Center
For the Edmonton Oilers, the motivation is clear: a desperate need for a reliable, right-shot center. Currently, the roster is thin in this specific area, with rookie Owen Michaels being the only right-handed option at center. While Michaels shows promise, the Oilers are in a championship window and need a proven commodity who can handle heavy minutes and high-pressure situations.
Adding Kirby Dach would provide the depth and versatility required to compete at the highest level, offering a strategic advantage that the current lineup lacks.
The Montreal Struggle: A Change of Scenery?
In Montreal, the narrative around Dach has shifted. Once envisioned as the perfect second-line center to support Nick Suzuki, a series of unfortunate injuries and inconsistent performances have seen him slide down the depth chart. He has recently been surpassed by Alex Newhook, who has claimed the 2C role.
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- Current Role: Dach is currently sliding into the right-wing position alongside Phillip Danault.
- Versatility: While his ability to play multiple positions is a plus for the Canadiens, it raises questions about his long-term fit in Montreal’s core.
- The Opportunity: For a player of Dach’s caliber, a change of scenery could be exactly what is needed to rediscover his peak form.
A Dream Homecoming: Family Ties in Edmonton
Beyond the tactical advantages, there is a powerful emotional component to this potential move. Kirby Dach is originally from Fort Saskatchewan, just a stone’s throw from Edmonton. A trade wouldn’t just be a career move; it would be a homecoming.
Adding to the appeal is the fact that his younger brother, Colton Dach, is already a member of the Oilers. The prospect of playing for his hometown team alongside his brother is a scenario that would be incredibly enticing for the 25-year-old forward.
The Clock is Ticking: Contractual Pressures
The Montreal Canadiens now face a critical decision. Dach is currently on a one-year contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) at the end of the season. This puts the Canadiens in a precarious position:
- The Rental Risk: They could keep him as a “rental” player to bolster their own Cup run, risking losing him for nothing in the offseason.
- The Asset Gain: They could trade him before the deadline, securing valuable assets (draft picks or prospects) in exchange for a versatile forward.
As the season progresses, this storyline will be one of the most watched in the league. Will the Canadiens gamble on Dach’s resurgence, or will the Oilers successfully bring the Fort Saskatchewan native back home?
Stay tuned to TSN Canada for the latest breaking news on NHL trade deadlines and roster moves.
