Kirby Dach drawing strong Oilers interest as Larkin list expands

The Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames are keeping a close eye on Kirby Dach as questions grow around the centre’s long-term future with the Montreal Canadiens. At the same time, new projections point to a major jump in the NHL salary cap over the next few years, and Dylan Larkin’s list of acceptable trade destinations appears to be much longer than first believed.

Oilers and Flames circling as Dach’s future in Montreal clouds

Kirby Dach is pushing to secure a regular roster spot in Montreal, but he faces stiff competition from younger forwards. Concerns about his injury history and a $3.6 million cap hit have contributed to speculation that the Canadiens could eventually move him.

Insider Frank Seravalli reports that both the Oilers and Flames have been tracking Dach’s situation closely. Multiple teams have reportedly dangled a second-round pick for the forward, but Montreal has been holding out for more. That stance could soften if the Canadiens choose to enter trade talks involving Kirill Marchenko.

Seravalli writes that “the interest in Edmonton borders on drooling,” adding the Oilers are focused on acquiring Dach at some point, whether before the season, at the March 1 trade deadline or next summer when he becomes a free agent. Beyond the possibility of reuniting him with his brother, general manager Stan Bowman’s history of drafting Dach in Chicago is seen as a key factor in Edmonton’s interest.

For Calgary, Seravalli notes the Flames are hunting for a true No. 1 centre, a role that is difficult to fill. Dach is viewed as one of the better available options, potentially fitting alongside a player such as Morgan Frost.

Cap projection surges as league revenues climb

According to Elliotte Friedman, the NHL’s early estimate for the 2028-29 salary cap sits around $127.5 million. That figure would mark a significant rise from the current $104 million ceiling and the projected $113.5 million cap for 2027-28.

The outlook is driven in part by stronger revenue expectations, with commissioner Gary Bettman indicating projected league revenue of roughly $8.1 billion in mixed currency for the upcoming season. A sharply rising cap would give extra breathing room to clubs that have already committed large contracts to young stars, such as Anaheim and San Jose, while putting pressure on organizations that routinely struggle to hit the salary floor.

A cap jump of that magnitude could also reshape the market for elite players at the top of the pay scale. In that environment, an annual salary of $25 million for a superstar like Connor McDavid is no longer viewed as far-fetched.

Larkin’s list of preferred destinations believed to be much longer

In Detroit, the situation around captain Dylan Larkin may also be evolving. Larkin has five years remaining on his contract with an $8.7 million cap hit, and trade talks have been complicated by his limited list of preferred destinations.

That list was widely thought to include only the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights. On the latest 32 Thoughts Podcast, however, Friedman suggested the group of teams is actually larger than originally reported.

Friedman believes the Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning could all be on Larkin’s list, and estimates there may be roughly eight destinations in total. He also indicated that Larkin has focused on U.S.-based teams he views as contenders.

It remains unclear how much this expanded list will alter Detroit’s approach, but a broader set of approved destinations would give the Red Wings more potential trade pathways if they decide to seriously explore moving their captain.