Completed trade between the Montreal Canadiens and Chicago Blackhawks takes strange turn for the better

When Kent Hughes acquired Kirby Dach from the Blackhawks during the 2022 NHL Draft in Montreal, it felt like a bold move.

The Canadiens sent young defenseman Alexander Romanov to the New York Islanders, who sent the 13th overall pick to Chicago, who sent Kirby Dach to Montreal.

Chicago ended up drafting Frank Nazar with that pick, possibly the best turnout for all three teams involved in the Romanov-Dach deal.

Injuries have defined Dach's time in Montreal more than anything else. He's shown flashes of elite talent but simply hasn't stayed on the ice long enough to reach the next level.

Since he joined the Habs, he was limited to 117 games in three seasons, and tallied 62 points, including 24 goals in that span.

Now, new information suggests that the Canadiens might already be preparing for life without him.

According to Daily Faceoff, Kirby Dach doesn't appear on either of the two projected power-play units for the 2025-26 season. That's a red flag.

The first unit features Juraj Slafkovsky, Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Lane Hutson, and Ivan Demidov, with Brendan Gallagher, Patrik Laine, Alex Newhook, Zachary Bolduc, and Noah Dobson on the second.

While this could suggest a diminished role-or worse, an eventual exit-there's another layer to the story.

In a recent press conference, Canadiens VP Jeff Gorton stated that Dach would get a shot at being the team's second center at the training camp.

That could be the last opportunity for the former 3rd overall pick to make a good impression in Montreal. And he seems ready to take it seriously.

Dach is reportedly working hard this offseason to show up in top form. If he succeeds, his role could be locked in for good. But if he struggles on the ice or gets injured again, Montreal might look to move him-whether by trade or letting him walk when his $3.36M AAV deal expires next summer.

In the end, the original trade may still favor Chicago with Frank Nazar on the rise. But if Dach delivers on his promise this fall, the deal could finally start tipping back in Montreal's favor.