Kirby Dach’s Canadiens future shifts as Kent Hughes prepares surprising offer
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Kirby Dach‘s future with the Montreal Canadiens could be more stable than expected, as the club is reportedly not closing the door on keeping him this summer.
Journalist Arpon Basu reported the information.
It is an update that clarifies the Canadiens’ intentions regarding the center.
Dach’s contract situation is approaching an important deadline.
He will become a restricted free agent on July 1.
Several observers had anticipated a departure, with some believing management would cut ties with the 25-year-old forward, but not so fast.
Kent Hughes appears willing to keep the option open.
According to Basu, no contract negotiations have yet taken place with Dach’s camp. However, the Canadiens have reportedly decided to submit a qualifying offer before the June 30 deadline.
As a result, the idea of seeing him leave immediately can likely be put aside.
Kirby Dach’s qualifying offer would give the Canadiens flexibility for 2026-27
“The Canadiens would not be opposed to giving him a qualifying offer by the deadline of June 30 if nothing else can be worked out,” he wrote.
The offer would be worth $4 million.
But the one-year term reduces the risk for the organization.
The idea is based on Dach’s potential.
The center has not yet reached his full potential, largely due to injuries.
His most recent season reflected that reality.
Dach recorded 15 points in 37 games, then added 5 points in 19 playoff games.
You can see Basu’s comments here:
And nothing would prevent Kent Hughes from later including him in a trade, as that possibility has already been discussed in connection with the Canadiens’ search for a potential second-line center.
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Kirby Dach’s Canadiens future shifts as Kent Hughes prepares surprising offer
Should the Canadiens extend a qualifying offer to Kirby Dach?