Trade Completed Between the Canadiens and Islanders That Hughes May Be Regretting
In 2022, during his first draft as the Canadiens' general manager, Kent Hughes made a big move. He traded Alexander Romanov to the New York Islanders to acquire a first-round pick, then used that pick to acquire Kirby Dach from the Chicago Blackhawks.
At the time, it looked like a brilliant move.
Dach was the 3rd overall pick in 2019, and Hughes had just acquired a center with significant potential.
Today, we're starting to wonder if the Canadiens really won this trade. Alexander Romanov has become a key defenseman for the Islanders.
He's developing into the dominant defenseman that Marc Bergevin once envisioned.
With multiple injuries on the blue line, Patrick Roy has given him major responsibilities, and he now plays over 20 minutes per game on average.
Roy is also very pleased with his performance:
Probably his best hockey since I've been here.
He's physical and moves the puck well.
- Patrick Roy
Meanwhile, Kirby Dach is struggling much more with the Canadiens.
After missing almost an entire season due to injury, he has been inconsistent this year and doesn't seem able to establish himself as the team's second-line center.
Alexander Romanov Trade to Acquire Kirby Dach: Kent Hughes Seems to Have Lost the Deal, at Least for Now
On paper, Romanov is probably worth more than Dach today.
That said, I still believe that Dach has not yet reached his full potential.
He is young, and if he ever regains his confidence and form, he could still be a key piece for the Canadiens.
But for now, I have to admit that the trade doesn't look as good as it once did.
This season, in 54 games, Dach has managed just 22 points while playing a top-six role, a 30-point pace. Very disappointing!
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