It’s August and the dog days of summer are officially here. However, there are still plenty of NHL rumours to sift through. The news lately has been focused on restricted free agents. Some have opted for short-term deals and bet on themselves for the future. Others have chosen the security of a long-term deal. Today’s NHL rumours focus on the latest in the Kirby Dach contract negotiations.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Latest on Kirby Dach Contract Talks
The Athletic’s Arpon Basu and Marc Antoine Godin took a look at where the talks involving the recently acquired forward are heading. Dach is an RFA and is coming over from the Chicago Blackhawks in an off-season trade. The former Saskatoon Blades star was surprisingly dealt as the Blackhawks seem to be all-in on the Connor Bedard sweepstakes.
Offseason edition of the Basu and Godin Canadiens notebook! On Kirby Dach’s contract, Nick Suzuki’s contract being one of the worst in the NHL according to meanie @domluszczyszyn, amateur scouting news, a strong Stéphane Robidas endorsement and more! https://t.co/daiHxH8MuW
— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) August 1, 2022
Dach has yet to hit double-digit goals, but has shown flashes of being a third overall pick like he was in 2019. The Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta native had a great time in the playoff bubble of 2020 with a goal and five assists in nine games. He can be a solid playmaker with the Habs’ young forwards of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and others.
What The Next Deal May Look Like
Basu and Godin said Kaapo Kakko‘s recent two-year bridge deal with the New York Rangers may serve as a template for the next deal. Kakko has netted 58 points in 157 games with the Rangers while Dach has 59 points in 152 games with the Hawks. The Finn’s deal was for two years with an average cap hit of $2.1 million.
Both sides have been in contact with each other, which is a good sign. It’s likely just a matter of ironing out some details before Dach is signed. He’s the last contract the team has to sign of players they hold the rights to. There shouldn’t be the worry of an offer sheet unless the Carolina Hurricanes feel like being antagonists one more time. (This is very unlikely, however.)
There’s always a chance and a mid-range deal, but the Kakko deal is likely what the Habs will go for. It will keep cap numbers manageable during the rebuild.
Welcome back, @kdach77! pic.twitter.com/xOaE3QQ8ZE
— NHL (@NHL) March 28, 2021
