“I wouldn’t be surprised if the Kings said, ‘We want Kirby Dach.’”

What does the future hold for Kirby Dach in Montreal?
As we discussed recently, if the Canadiens want to retain the rights to Kirby Dach (a restricted free agent this summer) for the 2026-2027 season, they'll have to submit a $4 million qualifying offer. And it's possible the player will say yes.

If the Habs don't want to go that route, the player could become an unrestricted free agent a year early.
These questions need to be asked because Kirby Dach got injured again yesterday. We don't know exactly what the doctors will tell him, but he's likely to miss some games.
Again…

Kirby Dach left for the dressing room after taking a hit from Jeffrey Viel. pic.twitter.com/zGYapPnAtf
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 15, 2026 who reportedly doesn't have the best attitude on the team, has been the subject of trade rumors for quite some time. The Maple Leafs and the Canadiens have reportedly discussed his situation.
What will Kent Hughes do with him?
Renaud Lavoie was asked this question this morning on BPM Sports. And in his response, he mentioned that yes, it's possible the Habs might move on.
But if that happens, it won't be at any cost.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4db1HQHfhWU
In reality, if the Canadiens trade him, the club will need to have the resources to replace him. And since the solution doesn't seem to be obvious within the organization…
If the Habs trade him, they'll need to acquire a player who can take the team to the next level in the future. And if Hughes doesn't get that, Dach could be back in 2026–2027.

Renaud Lavoie cited the example of Phillip Danault. He wouldn't be surprised if L.A. management asked for Dach in discussions… but this isn't the kind of trade the Habs player could be part of.

If he's traded, it won't be for a Danault. It will be for a player who can have a greater impact in the medium and long term.
“The price to pay to get Kirby Dach out of Montreal is high.” – Renaud Lavoie

The situation won't be simple because Kirby Dach, who was acquired by the current management, has never been able to take off due to his numerous injuries.
And any club that might try to sign him knows that.

In a nutshell
– What a game yesterday.

– GM Meetings in Florida: What to Expect? [NYT]
— Note.

FC Supra lost 1-0 to Ligue 1 side AS Laval on Sunday evening.
The season starts in less than a month. https://t.co/C6GPt9v0Ba
— Maxime Truman (@MaximeTruman) March 16, 2026
— Got it.

Can the #GoHabsGo succeed in the playoffs with the way they defend?@chrispronger: “They have to be more committed”#thesickpodcast @TonyMarinaro pic.twitter.com/q7UskpwYOG— The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) March 16, 2026

— To be continued.

The NHL is expected to announce its World Cup of Hockey plans today after Day 1 of the GM meetings here in Palm Beach, Florida. The best-of-the-best event takes place in February 2028.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 16, 2026