Edmonton's Rumored Dach Interest Doesn't Fit Its Roster Needs
Edmonton has opened 2026-27 with a 2-0-1 record, but its defensive and goaltending play has raised concerns. Reports indicate the Oilers remain interested in acquiring Montreal center Kirby Dach, even though those areas appear to be bigger needs. Dach, the No. 3 pick in 2019, has yet to record a 40-point season in seven NHL campaigns, largely because of injuries.
Edmonton's start has produced 17 goals but also 14 against, highlighting defensive and goaltending questions. Even so, reports link the club to Montreal's Kirby Dach, a 25-year-old center. GM Stan Bowman chose Dach third overall for Chicago in 2019, and insiders say Edmonton's interest has persisted. The Oilers also swapped depth defenseman Spencer Stastney for Pittsburgh's Filip Hallander, a 26-year-old with 18 NHL appearances, a move unlikely to end their Dach pursuit.
Dach's career has been slowed by injuries; he has surpassed 60 games only once and never reached 40 points in seven NHL seasons. In 2025-26 he recorded eight goals and 15 points in 37 games, then four goals and one assist in 19 playoff games. Edmonton already has a forward project in Isaac Howard, making another reclamation addition questionable for a team under pressure to win.
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