Kirby Dach’s future with the Canadiens to be decided after latest announcement

The NHL salary arbitration hearings will take place from July 20 to August 1. That is when Kirby Dach will learn his future in Montreal (and his next annual salary).

The fate of the Canadiens’ centerman will be decided during that two-week window.

Kirby Dach’s arbitration deadline puts pressure on both sides

This schedule changes the dynamic.

Kent Hughes and Dach’s camp now have a concrete deadline in mind.

It’s worth remembering that an agreement can still be reached before the hearing.

Nothing requires either side to go all the way to arbitration.

In fact, that is often the goal. Many cases are settled in the days leading up to the scheduled hearing.

Because arbitration is never a pleasant process.

The team has to argue for a lower salary, while the player argues for a bigger paycheck.

That type of process can leave lasting effects, and the relationship of trust between the player and the team sometimes emerges damaged.

Dach is coming off a season in which he recorded 15 points in 37 games, so it’s fair to say he will not have many arguments in his favor.

His current $3.3 million salary will be at the center of the discussions.

It will be difficult to argue for a raise after that level of production.

This is a situation to watch toward the end of the month!