Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Kirby Dach‘s situation is gaining momentum, as Renaud Lavoie has identified the Edmonton Oilers as a possible destination for the Canadiens forward.
It was on BPM Sports that the insider expanded on his thinking.
A development that sheds more light on one of the biggest storylines of the summer for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.
Lavoie first expects a specific move from Kent Hughes.
That adds nuance to the uncertainty Hughes expressed during the season-ending press conference.
The general manager said it was too early to make a decision, but Lavoie believes a qualifying offer is coming for Kirby Dach.
The Edmonton angle is no coincidence.
Dach is an Alberta native who grew up very close to the Oilers’ home city.
Another element strengthens that scenario.
The Oilers acquired his younger brother, Colton, over the past few months, opening the door to a family reunion.
Adding to the intrigue, Renaud Lavoie is not alone in floating this scenario, with Georges Laraque also pointing to the same possibility.
An estimated second- or third-round return for center Kirby Dach
Lavoie also put a value on the forward’s potential trade return.
On JiC, he explained that fans should not expect a first-round pick in return.
But the Canadiens would also receive more than a fourth-round pick!
That range assumes a straightforward trade.
As part of a larger package, however, the center could serve as one piece of a bigger deal aimed at achieving a more significant objective (included in a larger transaction).
Dach recorded 15 points in 37 games this season, a limited sample once again due to injuries.
You can see Lavoie’s comments here:
It remains to be seen whether Hughes will submit the $4 million qualifying offer before the June 29 deadline and then look for a trade partner.
A fresh start close to home and a chance to reunite with his brother would certainly check a lot of boxes for Dach.
The only question is whether both teams would see enough value in making a deal happen.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Canadiens’ projected Oilers return for Kirby Dach emerges in trade speculation
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