The real reason why the BlackHawks traded Kirby Dach is revealed

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Jeff Drouin
August 28, 2022 (11:45)

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As you know, one of the big transactions of the summer for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens was the trade of Alex Romanov and the acquisition of Kirby Dach.

It seems to be a great deal for the Habs general manager, but the question remains: why would a team (that is looking to the future as well) want to trade their recent third overall pick, a young 6'4" center? It's never done, normally.

Dach is only 21 years old, is there a hidden info here?

This morning on TSN 690, the excellent Marco D'Amico (of Montreal Hockey Now) finally had an answer to the question:

"Scotty Bowman told us it was because of the faceoffs...and that Chicago really wants a complete lineup reset."

He added that different NHL teams underestimated how badly the Hawks really wanted to destroy everything, in order to rebuild.

It seems hard to believe, but that would indeed be the only reason. So, contrary to what many thought, it would not be because of injuries (especially to the wrist).

It would simply be because they didn't think he was good enough to win face-offs, but more importantly, because he was drafted by the old Chicago management (and the new bosses want to tear it down).

Remember that the Habs paid a first round pick (13th overall) and a third round pick (66th) for the young center. The first round pick in question here was acquired for Alex Romanov.

To the Islanders:

Alexander Romanov (LD)
98th overall pick

vs.

Montreal:

13th overall pick

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Montreal:

Kirby Dach (C)

vs.

Chicago:

13th overall pick
66th overall

A three-team deal that really took fans by surprise.