# Kirby Dach roster status and trade speculation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kirby-dach-roster-status-and-trade-speculation
> Updated: 2026-10-19T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

During the Montreal Canadiens training camp, forward Kirby Dach faced scrutiny regarding his roster position. Head coach Martin St. Louis noted that Dach was “fighting for a place and trying to find it,” as the player auditioned for spots while demonstrating versatility at both center and wing.

Speculation regarding a trade to the Edmonton Oilers has intensified. Analysts have proposed a scenario where Montreal retains 50 percent of Dach’s salary and sends a 2028 second-round draft pick to Edmonton in exchange for Isaac Howard, Quinn Hutson, and a 2028 third-round pick. Such a move would potentially reunite Dach with his brother, Colton.

As the season progresses, Dach faces increasing pressure following a slow start, recording only one assist and zero goals through eight games with a -4 plus-minus rating. Analyst Marco D’Amico suggests a trade could eventually serve to help Montreal clear salary cap space, particularly as Dach is in the final year of his $3.6 million contract.

Competition for roster spots has grown more difficult due to the emergence of other players, the expected return of Ivan Demidov, and the strong performance of Alexandre Texier. D’Amico noted that Owen Beck, who was recently scratched, showed “more promise in two games than Dach has in the current season,” while the potential return of Florian Xhekaj further complicates Dach’s standing.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Kirby Dach faces potential trade rumors in Montreal

Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach faces potential trade rumors following a low-production start to the season and increasing competition for roster spots.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kirby-dach-faces-potential-trade-rumors-in-montreal

### 2026-10-05: Kirby Dach trade rumors link Montreal Canadiens to Edmonton Oilers

Trade rumors link Montreal Canadiens center Kirby Dach to the Edmonton Oilers, with potential scenarios involving salary retention and draft picks to address roster depth.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kirby-dach-trade-rumors-link-montreal-canadiens-to-edmonton-oilers

### 2026-09-24: Kirby Dach faces roster competition at Montreal Canadiens camp

Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach is fighting for a roster spot during training camp, according to head coach Martin St. Louis, as he seeks to prove his value amidst roster evaluations.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kirby-dach-faces-roster-competition-at-montreal-canadiens-camp

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Cite as: Kirby Dach roster status and trade speculation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kirby-dach-roster-status-and-trade-speculation