Edmonton Oilers Eye Kirby Dach as Montreal Contract Nears End

Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach’s contract will expire after the 2026‑27 season, and Edmonton Oilers insiders say the team is keen to secure him. The Oilers and Flames are watching Dach’s status closely, with the Oilers reportedly “drooling” over the player. Dach, who has battled injuries, ha…

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 26 Sep 2026 21:46:25 GMT

Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach’s contract is set to expire after the 2026‑27 NHL season, and Edmonton Oilers insiders say the team is very interested in acquiring the player. The Oilers and Calgary Flames are reportedly keeping a close eye on Dach’s status, with the Oilers described as "drooling" over the player, according to NHL insider Frank Seravalli.

What’s Happening?

Seravalli’s column on Casino.org revealed that the Oilers are actively looking to add Dach to their roster. He wrote that the team is willing to pursue the player at various points in the future, whether it be before the next season, at the March 1 trade deadline, or once Dach becomes a free agent in the summer of 2027. The Oilers’ interest is not driven by a desire to reunite Dach with his younger brother Colton on their hometown team, but rather by the belief that the player still has untapped potential that could benefit Edmonton’s offense.

Why the Oilers Are Interested

Dach was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, selected by the Chicago Blackhawks. General Manager Stan Bowman has long believed that the player’s career has been hampered by a series of injuries, and he feels that a fresh start could unlock Dach’s true talent. In the 2025‑26 season, Dach played only 37 games due to multiple injuries, recording 15 points (8 goals, 7 assists). The Oilers see an opportunity to acquire a player who can contribute immediately, especially as Edmonton looks to rebuild and add depth to their forward lines.

Dach’s Recent Health and Outlook

After a difficult stretch of injuries, Dach has fully recovered and is focusing on securing a spot in the Canadiens’ starting lineup. He recently spoke about how it feels to be healthy again, saying, "It feels good to be healthy. I think a lot of us had nicks, bruises and bumps from the playoffs. Over the summer, you build that health back up and it’s nice to be able to hit the ground running instead of dealing with lingering issues." Dach also emphasized that the biggest lesson from his injury period was not to give up, adding that he has been through a lot in recent years and that perseverance is key.

What Happens Next?

With Dach’s contract set to expire in 2027, the Canadiens have been firm on a high asking price, but the Oilers and Flames are monitoring the situation closely. If the Canadiens decide to move Dach before the trade deadline, Edmonton could swoop in to secure the player. Alternatively, if Dach remains in Montreal through the 2026‑27 season, he may become a free agent in the summer of 2027, opening the door for a potential signing with Edmonton or another team. The Canadiens’ management will need to decide whether to keep the player for the remainder of his contract or to trade him while he still has value on the market.

Impact on the NHL Landscape

Should the Oilers acquire Dach, it would signal a continued effort by Edmonton to build a competitive roster around young talent. For the Canadiens, the decision to retain or trade Dach could shape their offensive strategy for the next few seasons. The move would also affect the Flames, who are reportedly interested in the player as well, potentially leading to a trade involving multiple assets between the three teams.

Key facts

• Kirby Dach’s contract ends after 2026‑27
• Edmonton Oilers are keen on acquiring him
• Dach’s injury history limited his recent production
• The Oilers view him as untapped potential
• Montreal has a high asking price
• The Flames are also monitoring Dach

Why it matters

The potential movement of a former first‑round pick like Kirby Dach could reshape the rosters of multiple NHL teams, affecting playoff chances and future draft strategies. For fans and analysts, understanding these dynamics offers insight into how teams balance talent, health, and contract negotiations.

Frequently asked questions

Will Kirby Dach stay with the Canadiens?

It is uncertain. The Canadiens have held firm on a high asking price, but the player’s contract will expire in 2027.

Why is the Oilers so interested in Dach?

The Oilers believe Dach still has untapped potential and could contribute immediately to their rebuilding efforts.

Could Dach be traded before the 2027 trade deadline?

Yes, the Oilers are willing to pursue a trade before the March 1 deadline if the Canadiens agree to a deal.

What is the status of Dach’s health?

Dach has fully recovered from his injury setbacks and is focusing on securing a spot in the Canadiens’ lineup.

Sources

• [1] sportskeeda.com — originally reported as “NHL Rumors: Oilers "drooling" over Kirby Dach, per Frank Seravalli”