The Oilers have competition for Kirby Dach, and it's coming from the last place Edmonton wants: Calgary.
Frank Seravalli reported Edmonton's interest in the Canadiens forward, then added that "Calgary has also kept tabs on Dach."
That changes the urgency for Stan Bowman. The Oilers have been chasing a right-shot centre for weeks, and now a rival might get there first.
Bowman already made one move, sending Spencer Stastney out to bring in Filip Hallander. Hallander shoots left, though, so the search for a right-shot centre is still on.
Matthew Poitras has been the secondary option, with Mike Babcock reportedly his biggest internal supporter. Dach remains the main target.
Montreal is trying to balance Dach's value with his uncertain spot in the lineup. He has one assist and a -2 through five games.
Stan Bowman can't let the Flames beat him to Kirby Dach
The 25-year-old carries a $3,600,000 cap hit, a number Edmonton could fit with the right pieces going back.
-
The Oilers are rolling at 4-0-1 after a 3-1 win in San Jose on Saturday. A depth centre would make a good start even stronger.
Calgary is in a very different spot at 0-5-0. A young centre like Dach would fit a rebuild, which makes the Flames a real threat in this race.
Bowman has to move now. Losing a target to an Alberta rival would sting twice, once on the ice and once in the court of public opinion.
It's like spotting the last open table at a busy restaurant while another group is already walking toward it.
The Oilers visit Los Angeles on Tuesday, with Owen Michaels still producing as an internal option. Bowman knows the answer could be in the room, but Dach would raise the ceiling.
The Flames have been watching. If Bowman waits too long, the Battle of Alberta gets a new chapter, and Edmonton won't like how it starts.
Should Stan Bowman trade for Kirby Dach before the Flames do?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Connor Hellebuyck trade pitch collapses as another destination gains attention
