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Report: Flames interested in Canadiens forward Kirby Dach

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

By Cynthia Ryley Delaney

Sep 27, 2026, 14:00 EDTUpdated: Sep 27, 2026, 02:44 EDT

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Kirby Dach’s tenure with the Montréal Canadiens is in question.

According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Calgary Flames have interest in the Fort Saskatchewan product. The 25-year-old who plays for the Montréal Canadiens is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and carries a cap hit of $3.6 million.

A forward who can play both centre and wing, the Flames’ interest reportedly lies in the fact that he was drafted high, third overall, in the 2019 NHL Draft. Moreover, the Flames are seeking a centre to play in their top six, with Dach having the potential to do just that.

This past off-season, Seravalli reported that multiple teams offered second-round picks for the 25-year-old, but they haven’t lowered their high asking price. A reason why it could be so high is because Dach cost the Canadiens a pretty penny, giving up the 13th and 66th overall picks in the 2022 NHL Draft.

Dach was selected third overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2019, but has yet to live up to that potential due to various injuries. In his rookie campaign in 2019-20, Dach appeared in 64 games where he scored eight goals and 23 points. After playing in just 18 games in 2020-21, Dach set a then-career high nine goals and 26 points in 70 games.

On July 7, 2022, the Canadiens acquired him, where he immediately set a career-high with 14 goals and 38 points in 58 games in 2022-23. Unfortunately, his 2023-24 was cut short, playing just two games before suffering a season-ending injury early in the season.

Dach bounced back with 10 goals and 22 points in 57 games in 2024-25, but appeared in just 37 regular season games with the Canadiens in 2025-26, scoring eight goals and 15 points. The 25-year-old appeared in 19 playoff games as the Canadiens went to the Eastern Conference Finals, scoring four goals and five points in their run.

Is Dach even a fit for the Flames? Honestly, not really. Acquiring Dach before he becomes a free agent at the end of the season will cost assets a rebuilding team shouldn’t give up. While he was selected third overall, Dach’s issues have stemmed from not being able to stay healthy. When healthy, he produces at a middle-six rate.

He’s a speedy forward, but doesn’t play on the penalty kill. And while he’s listed as a centre, Dach’s best role is more of a third-line winger than anything.

That said, the Flames have taken reclamation projects before, recently trading for defenceman Šimon Nemec, who was selected second overall in 2022. Perhaps the rebuilding team can get the best out of Dach if they acquire him.

Cynthia Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for DFO Calgary, DFO Edmonton, and Blue Jays Nation. She can be followed on Twitter @CynthiaRDelaney.

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