NHL Rumors: Kirby Dach's Next Contract Term & AAV

The Montreal Canadiens hope to get their new young centerman signed before training camp, and there is some news on that front. Eric Engels said, "One option being discussed for RFA Kirby Dach is around 4 x $3.5 million. Won't be surprised if that's where his deal lands."

There is a lot more to gain for the Canadiens if Dach breaks out with a fresh start in Montreal under the coaching of Martin St. Louis. The former third overall pick hasn't had the start to his career he or the Chicago Blackhawks would have hoped for. He got injured at a critical time in his development and sometimes players just need more time to grow and get acclimated to the NHL.

It's becoming less likely that high picks are busts these days, even if they don't become top players in the NHL. If Kent Hughes can pull off a deal like this and lock down what the team hopes can be a top-six centerman for a long time in Montreal, then the money saved will help a lot.

Here's Kirby Dach's projection card - some bright spots and will definitely like to play off the rush. But needs a bit of a reset elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/3XLVTO9EmG
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) August 28, 2022

Dach hasn't earned the $3.5 million AAV yet as he has posted just 19 goals and 59 points in 152 games. This contract, seeing as how the term would cover four years, is projecting he will outgrow the deal and it will benefit the Canadiens at a time when the team is more competitive and could use the cap space.

The young forward may not have to play center next season as the team already has Nick Suzuki, Christian Dvorak, and Sean Monahan, and it will be tough internal competition for him to earn even top-nine minutes. Trading Dvorak soon as rumors state could free up the spot needed for Dach to step in and take the next step. The projected Dach contract is still somewhat a prove-it deal and the Canadiens need him to grow into a top-six player.