Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
The Canadiens’ message to Kirby Dach is harsher than it appears.
The two-way qualifying offer submitted to the forward says a lot, and Jeremy Filosa explains exactly why.
Let’s start with the basics.
By submitting a two-way qualifying offer, the club is setting an American Hockey League salary in the event Dach is demoted to Laval (through NHL waivers).
And that’s where it gets interesting.
It is extremely rare for a player with Dach’s level of NHL experience to receive this type of offer, as Filosa points out.
At its core, the Canadiens are sending a clear message.
They are not ruling out the possibility that their forward could struggle badly enough next season that a demotion to Laval becomes necessary.
And in that scenario, the club would rather not pay him an NHL salary.
That is exactly what this qualifying offer states, in black and white.
Because the organization gains no other real advantage from making this move.
The only benefit is protecting itself against the possibility of a disappointing season from the player, and against having to place Kirby Dach on NHL waivers.
“That’s why Dach has requested arbitration, and on this clause, he will likely prevail.
That explains a bit better why his camp decided that arbitration would be a good idea.
That doesn’t mean the two sides won’t find common ground before then, but it could leave some scars.”
– Jeremy Filosa
Wow, when you look at it that way!
A two-way qualifying offer that could leave lasting scars between Kirby Dach and the Canadiens
More and more, it feels like the end may be approaching for Dach in Montreal.
Arbitration has become a way to challenge an offer that is difficult for a player of his caliber to accept.
A settlement before the hearing remains possible, but yes, this standoff could leave lasting scars on the relationship between the two sides.
On the ice, it’s easy to understand where the doubts come from.
Dach was limited to 37 games and 15 points last season, once again held back by health issues.
Time will tell whether both sides can repair the relationship, but don’t be surprised if Dach eventually ends up on NHL waivers in the event of another disappointing season.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Kent Hughes opens the door to placing Canadiens forward Kirby Dach on NHL waivers
Did the Canadiens disrespect Kirby Dach with this two-way qualifying offer?