It’s no secret that Kirby Dach hasn’t quite lived up to expectations in Montreal. After a promising junior career and being selected third overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2019 NHL Draft, his development has been hampered by injuries and inconsistency.
Now, with the Canadiens in the midst of a rebuild, Elliotte Friedman’s recent speculation on his “32 Thoughts” podcast has added fuel to the fire: could the Pittsburgh Penguins be a potential landing spot for the young forward?
Kirby Dach’s Struggles Spark Trade Speculation
Friedman’s logic is sound. A change of scenery, coupled with the opportunity to learn from a future Hall-of-Famer like Sidney Crosby, could be exactly what Dach needs to unlock his potential.
However, Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is likely to be patient. Dach is still just 23 years old and is coming off a major knee injury that sidelined him for most of last season. It’s understandable that he might need more time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NHL. Hughes invested a significant amount in acquiring Dach from Chicago, and unless Penguins GM Kyle Dubas offers a king’s ransom, it’s hard to envision Hughes parting ways with him so soon.
From the Penguins’ perspective, Dach represents an intriguing high-risk, high-reward target. He possesses the size, skill, and hockey IQ to be a top-six center in the NHL. If they can acquire him for the right price, it could be a shrewd move that pays dividends for years to come. However, giving up valuable assets for a player who has yet to consistently produce at the NHL level is a gamble.
This situation is definitely one to watch as the Christmas trade freeze approaches. Will the Penguins make a move for Dach? Or will Hughes hold firm and give Dach the time he needs to develop in Montreal? Only time will tell.
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