A Controversial Acquisition by Kent Hughes Is Aging Better and Better
When Kent Hughes made the decision to trade for Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach in September 2022, the move was met with mixed reactions. Many fans and pundits questioned the price Montreal paid to bring the young forward to the team. The Canadiens sent a 2022 first-round pick (13th overall) and a 2022 second-round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Dach, who at the time had shown flashes of potential but also struggled with consistency. Fast-forward to the 2024-2025 season, and the deal is looking more and more like a masterstroke by Hughes, as Dach’s play continues to improve, and he’s becoming a central figure in the Canadiens’ rebuild.
Early Concerns About the Deal
At the time of the trade, Dach was viewed by many as a player with untapped potential. The 6-foot-4 forward had been drafted third overall by Chicago in the 2019 NHL Draft, but his tenure with the Blackhawks had been marred by inconsistency and a lack of growth in certain areas of his game. Many questioned whether Dach could live up to his lofty draft status, especially given the cost Montreal was paying to acquire him.
While Dach had shown the ability to be a solid playmaker, his performance with Chicago had not quite matched the expectations that come with being a top-three pick. Additionally, the Canadiens were parting with two valuable draft picks, including a high first-rounder, in a year when the 2022 draft class was considered deep. For some, this seemed like a risky bet on a player whose best years had yet to materialize.
Dach’s Transformation Under Montreal’s System
What’s become increasingly clear as Dach settles into his role with Montreal is that the change of scenery has been exactly what he needed. Under the guidance of head coach Martin St-Louis, Dach’s development has accelerated, and his game has started to flourish. The Canadiens have placed Dach in a top-six role where he’s been allowed to grow and develop with more responsibility, and the results have been striking.
Dach’s offensive production has steadily increased, and his playmaking ability has become one of the key assets of his game. As of the 2024-2025 season, he is consistently producing points, with impressive chemistry alongside other key players like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. His vision on the ice and ability to create plays has been a huge asset for the Canadiens, and he is beginning to emerge as a legitimate top-line center, something the team has longed for in their rebuild.
Beyond his offensive growth, Dach has become more physically engaged and defensively responsible. His size and skill allow him to excel in all three zones, and his presence on the ice is now felt more than ever. His performance has transformed him into one of Montreal’s most reliable players, and it’s clear that the Canadiens are building their future around him.
The Value of the Trade Today
In hindsight, the trade is beginning to look like a win for Kent Hughes and the Canadiens. The two draft picks they parted with in the trade, while valuable, have not yet produced the immediate impact some hoped for. Meanwhile, Dach’s development has provided Montreal with a potential franchise centerpiece who can grow alongside the team’s other young talents. His age (still just 22) and continued improvement mean that Montreal has secured a player who could be a foundational piece for years to come.
Moreover, the acquisition of Dach has provided Montreal with more stability and depth down the middle. As the team continues to develop its young core, having a player like Dach to anchor the top-six forward group is a major asset. His ability to play in all situations, combined with his emerging offensive game, makes him a player that the Canadiens can confidently build around.
Conclusion
What once seemed like a controversial acquisition by Kent Hughes is now looking like a brilliant move for the future of the Montreal Canadiens. Kirby Dach’s steady development, strong play, and increasing influence on the ice have elevated the trade from a risk to a success. As the 2024-2025 season continues, Dach’s value to the team will only grow, and what was once a move filled with questions is aging better and better with each passing game. For Hughes and the Canadiens, the trade for Dach might just be one of the key turning points in their ongoing rebuild.
