Right now, when discussing Canadiens’ contracts, the focus turns to Arber Xhekaj and Justin Barron, the two remaining restricted free agents within the organization.
Also in consideration is Kaiden Guhle, who may follow in Juraj Slafkovsky’s footsteps by signing a long-term contract this summer, despite still having a year left on his entry-level contract.
This represents a significant group of players already under contract with the club, excluding any potential negotiations involving Jake Evans, Cayden Primeau, or David Savard at this moment.
However, Slafkovsky’s recent contract extension prompts speculation: could Kirby Dach position himself for a long-term deal with the Canadiens next year?
Among the offensive “big four,” Dach is the only one who signed a bridge contract initially:
– Nick Suzuki: Signed an entry-level contract under Marc Bergevin, followed by an eight-year contract under Kent Hughes.
– Cole Caufield: Entered the league with an entry-level contract under Marc Bergevin, then signed an eight-year contract under Kent Hughes.
– Juraj Slafkovsky: Started with an entry-level contract under Kent Hughes, and recently signed an eight-year contract under the same management.
– Kirby Dach: Signed his entry-level contract under Stan Bowman, then a four-year contract under Kent Hughes.
Dach’s initial four-year contract with an average annual value of $3.362 million was deemed appropriate given the circumstances surrounding his arrival in Montreal. Looking ahead, the upcoming season could potentially strengthen his case for a longer-term commitment. Following the precedents set by Slafkovsky and Caufield, there is a reasonable expectation that Canadiens management would entertain such discussions.
However, nothing is certain. As mentioned previously, Dach will need to regain confidence early in the season, which may present initial challenges.
Yet, Slafkovsky’s trajectory offers a lesson: Hughes is willing to overlook a player’s early-season struggles in favor of betting on their potential development when he believes in their talent. The Canadiens have demonstrated faith in Dach, evidenced by their previous contract negotiations.
Dach signed his current four-year deal in 2022, with the possibility to negotiate another contract by July 2025. Failing that, he would become a restricted free agent in 2026, nearing unrestricted status the following year.
The management will also weigh Dach’s injury history when contemplating any future deals. This factor is crucial in their decision-making process.
Considering Dach’s talent and the escalating salary cap, the potential value of a long-term contract must also be assessed. Would Dach seek to become the Canadiens’ highest-paid forward?
If such negotiations were to proceed successfully, Dach would become Hughes’ third forward signing to a long-term contract, following Caufield and Slafkovsky. Nevertheless, whether Dach will join them in the near future remains uncertain.
In summary, while contemplating potential negotiations with Dach, the Canadiens must factor in various considerations, including his performance in the upcoming season, his injury history, and the financial implications of a long-term deal. These factors will ultimately shape their approach as they navigate contract discussions with the talented forward.
