It is now August 26 and Kirby Dach still does not have a contract for the 2022-23 season. The young center, acquired on July 7 during the draft, is currently a restricted free agent. Just like Cayden Primeau, by the way.
That said, for the moment, there is still nothing to worry about in the case of the two young people. It will eventually be settled by the start of the season.
However, earlier today, the Red Wings announced that they had agreed with Filip Zadina (also a restricted free agent) on the terms of a three-year contract. And when I look at this pact, I think it’s an interesting comparison for Dach.
UPDATE: The #RedWings today signed forward Filip Zadina to a three-year contract. pic.twitter.com/APrLPGoHhc
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) August 26, 2022
Zadina will receive $1.825 million per year for the next three campaigns. At the end of this pact, he will still be a restricted free agent. It is therefore a bridge contract which ensures that it will be able to prove its value before reaching autonomy.
Because yes, since being the Red Wings’ fourth overall pick in 2018, Zadina hasn’t (yet) been able to establish himself in the NHL. Last year, he finished the season with 10 goals and 24 points in 74 games with the Wings.
And all of this brings me back to Dach.
Like Zadina, Dach has just completed his entry-level NHL contract. A three-year contract would also be a bridge contract in his case, and like the Red Wings forward, he is not yet established in the Bettman circuit.
In 2021-22, Dach has scored seven goals and 26 points in 70 games. Clearly, we are in the same territory as Zadina.
In short, in terms of hockey, there are comparisons to be made between the two players. In both cases, we are talking about a top draft pick a few years ago who is not yet established in the Bettman circuit and who scored about twenty points last season.
Dach is a year younger, though, but contractually they’re at the same stage (Zadina’s entry contract was pushed back a year).
let’s remember that Kaapo Kakko’s pact had also been raised as a comparative potential, he who signed a two-year contract for $ 2.1 million per year. All in all, it looks the same, and I think Dach’s next pact will fall somewhere in between.
We are therefore beginning to see potential scales for Dach’s next contract, which should therefore be for a period of 2-3 years for approximately $2 million per year. Because no, I absolutely do not see him signing a long-term contract this summer, although several scenarios are on the table.
In short, it will be to follow, but with the contracts of Kakko and Zadina, we begin to see what the market looks like for young people in the genre. It only remains to see Dach sign his contract for it to be officially settled.
A lot of
– Philippe Myers also signed a new contract today.
We’ve signed defenseman Philippe Myers to a one-year contract extension worth $1.4 million.https://t.co/2JaLwhts8h
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) August 26, 2022
– Some information on the situation of the Senators.
It’s another summer mailbag.
• Can Tkachuk grow a playoff beard?
• Who has Stützle had chemistry with?
• Which goalie should start the opener?
• Could we ever see a father/son playing together?
• Attendance predictions
• My Sens memorabilia & more https://t.co/IhowsCtFul— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) August 26, 2022
– Tacko Fall will continue his career in China.
The NBA’s greatest athlete has never played more than 19 games in a season (6.2 minutes / game on average), being mostly relegated to the G League. pic.twitter.com/ySXQ5lARQJ
— AlleyOop360 (@AlleyOop360) August 26, 2022