Apparent Oilers and Canadiens trade underway centered by a premium asset

Kirby Dach is suddenly at the center of a trade watch, and Martin St-Louis may be facing a major roster decision.

-

A new report has linked the Edmonton Oilers directly to Dach, with Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes reportedly speaking with Edmonton about the 25-year-old centre.

The first indication surfaced Friday, when it was reported that Hughes had made a phone call to the Oilers. That alone raised eyebrows around Montreal.

The story took another step Tuesday morning. The same reporter stated that Dach is indeed the player Edmonton has interest in and that Saturday's conversation between the clubs wasn't a quick one.

-

Nothing indicates that a trade is completed, and no return has surfaced. But this has moved beyond a random hypothetical involving two teams searching for different answers.

"-Kirby Dach is and has been the main target for weeks.
- Edmonton has talked to Boston about Poitras as a secondary option.
- Boston wants a RHD but the offer is a LHD (Emberson/Stastney)
- Believed that something happens before Wednesday."

-

Dach carries a $3,600,000 cap hit on a 1-year contract, giving Edmonton a manageable commitment if Stan Bowman decides the fit is worth pursuing.

Kirby Dach suddenly becomes a name to watch

The timing makes this more serious for Montreal. Dach played 37 regular-season games last year and produced 8 goals and 7 assists, numbers that left his long-term place in the Canadiens' forward group open to debate.

His playoff run changed part of that conversation. Dach dressed for 19 postseason games, scoring 4 goals and finishing with 5 points as Montreal went deep into the spring.

That makes this a difficult decision for Hughes. Moving Dach now would mean trading a big centre who still owns upside, but also clearing a meaningful roster spot before the season settles into a routine.

Edmonton's interest creates another layer. Mike Babcock's club isn't calling about a depth piece if Dach is truly the target. His size, ability to play through the middle and top-six experience give the Oilers several deployment options.

The Canadiens also don't have to force anything. Dach is under contract, and Hughes can wait unless Bowman puts enough on the table to change Montreal's plans.

Still, lengthy conversations matter when one specific player is being identified afterward. This isn't confirmation of an imminent deal, but the Dach situation has clearly become one of Montreal's first major stories of the season.

Until Hughes shuts the door or Edmonton moves elsewhere, Dach's name is going to remain firmly in the trade conversation.

Also read on Markerzone.com:
Connor Hellebuyck trade near finalization with a team we did not expect