In the world of NHL trade rumors, some whispers gain traction while others quickly fade away. Recently, fans of both the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens were subjected to speculation about a potential trade involving Kirby Dach, a Fort Saskatchewan native who currently plays center for the Canadiens. The idea of Dach, an Oilers' "hometown" player returning to Edmonton, initially sparked interest, but as details emerged, many fans are now breathing a sigh of relief that the rumored deal never materialized.
Back in June, the rumors linked the Canadiens and Oilers to Dach. Dach was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks while Oilers GM Stan Bowman was with the team. The Canadiens were reportedly looking to upgrade their second-line center position, and Dach's name surfaced as a potential target for the Oilers. However, several factors contributed to fans' reservations about the potential trade.
One of the primary concerns surrounding Dach is his injury history. Dach has a history of injuries that have hampered his career. He underwent major knee surgery in February, raising questions about his long-term health and ability to perform consistently. Given the Oilers' need for reliable players who can contribute regularly, acquiring an injury-prone player like Dach would have been a risky move.
Another factor that cooled enthusiasm for the trade was Dach's performance since joining the Canadiens. While he showed promise in his first season with the team, he has struggled to consistently live up to his potential. In the previous season, Dach recorded 10 goals and 22 points in 57 games. While these numbers aren't terrible, they don't necessarily justify the acquisition cost that the Canadiens might have demanded.
Some reports suggested that the Canadiens were seeking an upgrade at the center position and were actively exploring trade options. J.T. Compher of the Detroit Red Wings was mentioned as a possible target for the Canadiens. Acquiring Compher would provide the Canadiens with an experienced middle-six center who can also play on the wing.
The Oilers have their own set of priorities and a specific vision for their team. They have been focused on adding younger players to their roster and creating opportunities for their prospects. Recent acquisitions like Matt Savoie and Isaac Howard, both former first-round picks, align with this strategy. These players are seen as potential future linemates for Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Given Dach's injury history, inconsistent performance, and the Oilers' focus on youth, it's understandable why fans are glad that the trade rumors went nowhere. The Oilers have other young forwards like Andrew Mangiapane, Ike Howard and Matt Savoie. While Dach possesses undeniable talent and potential, the risks associated with acquiring him outweighed the potential rewards.
As the Oilers prepare for the upcoming season, they can focus on developing their existing core of players and exploring other avenues to improve their roster. The team has been linked to free agent forwards Max Pacioretty and Klim Kostin, as well as goalies Ilya Samsonov and Alexandar Georgiev. Edmonton recently traded Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. These moves suggest that the Oilers are actively seeking to bolster their lineup and address their needs without taking on unnecessary risks.
