The 21-year-old forward was a restricted free agent. He set NHL career highs in goals (nine), assists (17) and points (26) in 70 games for the Chicago Blackhawks last season. Dach was traded to the Canadiens by the Blackhawks on July 7 for the No. 13 (center Frank Nazar) and No. 66 (forward Gavin Hayes) picks in the 2022 NHL Draft.
"The four-year deal will
Dach fractured his right wrist in Dec. 2020 playing for Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championships prior to the start of the 2020-21 season. He returned March 27, 2021 and had 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in 18 games.
"I feel 100 percent healthy, there's really no problems with the wrist anymore," Dach said. "It's completely healed. I think it took a little bit longer than I thought it would. … I just feel confident and ready to play, just really itching for camp to try and prove myself and establish something in the League."
Montreal missed the playoffs last season after a run to the Cup Final in 2021. The Canadiens (22-49-11) finished eighth in the Atlantic Division, ranking at or near the bottom of the NHL in each major category -- goals (218, 27th), goals against (317, 32nd), power play (13.7 percent, 31st) and penalty kill (75.6 percent, 27th).
"I think I've always been confident in my play; I don't think that's ever really wavered," Dach said. "I think coming here is almost a restart for me. The three years in Chicago, ups and downs, whether it's things I could control or not control. … Just trying to break out of the past three years and put it behind me."
The Canadiens went 14-19-4 under St. Louis, who signed a three-year contract to remain coach June 1. He replaced Dominique Ducharme on Feb. 9.
"I've talked to Marty a few times about just coming here and playing with an open mind and just being ready when camp starts, kind of prove myself," Dach said. "Just enjoy the game of hockey again. Play some good games and see where it kind of takes me."
