Concerns are growing regarding the readiness of Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach for the upcoming 2025-26 season, casting a shadow over his role and potentially influencing the team's approach to the trade market. Dach, who underwent knee surgery in February, is reportedly still in rehab and not yet ready to play, according to Maxime Truman of DansLesCoulisses. This news contradicts earlier assurances from the Canadiens that the 24-year-old center would be fully recovered in time for training camp.
Dach's prolonged recovery raises questions about his immediate future with the Canadiens. Truman reports that Dach has been spending the summer in Edmonton with teammate Kaiden Guhle but has not been seen skating at full speed. He has only been spotted on the ice once in Brossard this offseason, and appeared to be holding back. Gym sightings also suggest he's using light weights during workouts, which is not ideal for an NHL player preparing for training camp.
The Canadiens acquired Dach in 2022 from the Chicago Blackhawks to fill the second-line center position, envisioning him as a key component of their future. However, his tenure in Montreal has been plagued by injuries, preventing him from establishing himself in the NHL. He missed almost the entire 2023-24 season, and his 2024-25 season was cut short after 57 games.
With Dach's status uncertain, the Canadiens may explore trade options to bolster their depth at center. The team lacks established options behind Nick Suzuki, and if Dach is unable to start the season or is deemed a question mark, General Manager Kent Hughes might seek a trade to address the void. Alex Newhook is a possible internal candidate for the second-line center role, but his chemistry with Ivan Demidov was limited last season. Other internal options include Jake Evans, Joe Veleno, Oliver Kapanen, and Owen Beck, but they may not offer the top-six upside the Canadiens need.
Jeff Gorton, Montreal's Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations, emphasized the importance of Dach having a strong camp to prove he can be an impact player. Gorton acknowledged Dach's history of tough injuries and the need to see how he responds to rehab. Dach is entering the final year of his four-year, $13.45 million contract with the Canadiens, adding further pressure for him to perform.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Dach, the Canadiens have made some moves to add center depth. They acquired Zachary Bolduc, who can play center, and signed Joe Veleno, who is expected to be a bottom-six center, but could see his role increase if Dach is injured.
The Canadiens have been mentioned in trade speculation for a second-line center, being loosely linked to several players. Names such as Patrik Laine and Josh Anderson have been mentioned as potential trade chips. The Canadiens also have the option of trading Carey Price's contract to gain more cap flexibility. A recent trade proposal even suggested the Canadiens acquire Jonathan Huberdeau from the Calgary Flames.
Dach's inability to stay healthy has been a significant issue, as he has never played more than 70 games in a season and has only surpassed 60 games three times in nine years of junior and professional hockey. His injury history includes concussions and multiple knee surgeries, casting a shadow over his potential. Some reports suggest that Dach's NHL career could be cut short due to his persistent injury struggles.
The Canadiens are aiming to make the playoffs in 2026, and Dach's health is crucial to their chances. His absence would create a significant hole in the forward group, making it imperative for the Canadiens to have a contingency plan in place. The team and its fans are anxiously awaiting updates on Dach's progress, hoping he can overcome his injury challenges and become the impactful player they envisioned.
