On the floor for the 2022 NHL Draft, Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes decided to pull off a blockbuster move. He sent Alexander Romanov and pick 98 to the New York Islanders for 13th overall, which was then traded along with pick 66 to the Chicago Blackhawks for Kirby Dach.
This transaction was done in the hope of acquiring a solid number-two centre to support Nick Suzuki in the lineup. It’s something the Blackhawks didn’t feel they could make work in their own organization, but Montreal clearly has more faith in Dach’s outlook.