On Thursday, the Montreal Canadiens signed Kirby Dach to a one-year deal for $3.6 million. The two parties reached an agreement prior to the salary arbitration hearing scheduled for July 30th, after Dach chose not to sign the one-year, two-way qualifying offer worth $4 million.
Since arriving from Chicago in 2022, Dach has spent more time in the press box than on the ice. Injuries have repeatedly forced him to miss action. Last season, he missed significant time with a left‑foot fracture in November and an upper‑body injury in March. Moreover, he finished the year with 15 points in 37 games. He added five more during the 19‑game playoff run.
Dach was the first major acquisition under the Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton administration. Management hoped the Alberta native would become the club’s second‑line centre behind Nick Suzuki. Four seasons later, the Canadiens still haven’t filled that role.
At the conclusion of his contract, Dach will be an unrestricted free agent. Given their track record, this management group is unlikely to let a 25‑year‑old asset walk for nothing. The one‑year deal makes Dach easier to move if a team wants to take a chance before the trade deadline.
Zachary Bolduc and Arber Xhekaj are the team’s only remaining unsigned restricted free agents.
Regular Season Schedule Released
Also on Thursday, the National Hockey League released the 2026-27 regular season schedule. With the schedule expanding to 84 games, the regular season begins on September 29. Teams will play 28 divisional games, 24 against the rest of the conference, and 32 against opponents from other conferences.
The Canadiens start the season with two road games. On opening night, they visit Toronto to face the Maple Leafs. The matchup could also mark Gavin McKenna’s NHL debut. Four days later, the Habs face the Penguins in Pittsburgh before hosting the Stanley Cup champions Carolina Hurricanes for the Bell Centre opener.
Other notes from the schedule:
- October 25: Heritage Classic at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg.
- Longest road trip: Five separate four-game road trips. First time from October 23-29 at Chicago, Winnipeg, St. Louis, and Dallas. Regular season wraps up on a four-game road trip versus N.Y. Islanders, Florida, Tampa Bay, and Ottawa. Additionally, the Canadiens traditional holiday road trip is not on the schedule this season. Montreal hosts Toronto, Dallas, and Columbus in a span of four nights starting Boxing Day.
- Longest homestand: Five games from December 2-10 against Tampa Bay, Florida, Ottawa, Vegas, and Anaheim.
- Beginning March 10, twelve of Montreal’s final fifteen games come against Atlantic Division rivals.
- The Canadiens play in 10 back-to-back matchups, including the return of the Super Bowl weekend matinees against the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers on February 13-14.
- November is difficult from a travel perspective. Notably, between November 7 and 30, the Canadiens play 12 games in 23 days. That stretch includes 10 separate trips.
- Finally, February is the lightest on the calendar with nine games. In addition, the team’s bye week is from February 4-12.
Home › Forums › Canadiens Notes: Dach Signs, Habs Schedule