Calling Kirby Dach’s young career challenging would be an understatement. Drafted third overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2019, the Fort Saskatchewan native has battled injuries and inconsistency since entering the league.
Now, the Montreal Canadiens have confirmed Dach underwent surgery on his right knee—yes, the same knee that required ACL and MCL surgery last season. The good news? He’s expected to make a full recovery in time for next season. But with his history, questions remain about his long-term durability.
Tough Season
In 269 NHL games, the 6-foot-4 center/right-winger has recorded 43 goals and 121 points. More concerning, however, is his career plus-minus rating of -55—heavily impacted by a brutal -29 this season. Among all NHL forwards, only Tyler Bertuzzi (-31) ranks worse.
This season, Dach has managed 10 goals and 22 points in 57 games while playing a top-six role, averaging 2:29 of power play time per game. Notably, he was immediately paired with Patrik Laine upon the Finnish winger’s return from injury, but the chemistry never fully materialized.
Durability has also been a glaring issue. In Chicago, Dach suited up for 152 of a possible 208 games (73%). Since joining the Canadiens, he has played in just 117 of 246 games (48%). Over his six NHL seasons, he’s appeared in only 59% of his teams’ games—269 out of a possible 454.
His Line’s Struggles
Up until February 24th, the Laine-Dach-Newhook trio had a combined -55 rating:
- Dach: -29
- Newhook: -15
- Laine: -11
Since Dach’s absence, rookie Owen Beck has stepped into his role, and the difference has been noticeable. In the last three games, the line has combined for 3 goals, 6 assists, and a +4 rating. While Beck isn’t an ideal second-line center at this stage of his career, he brings a level of defensive responsibility that Dach has struggled to provide. Until Kent Hughes finds another solution, Beck may remain one of Martin St-Louis’ options in that spot.
What’s Next?
If the Canadiens are serious about taking the next step in their rebuild, they must find a legitimate second-line center. Even if Dach returns fully healthy, he’ll need time to regain his rhythm—just as he did this season. Expecting him to step in seamlessly would be unrealistic, as he’ll likely face the same struggles with timing, confidence, and physicality.
A potential solution? Placing Dach between Brendan Gallagher and Josh Anderson—a duo that has already helped Jake Evans thrive and has given Christian Dvorak a boost. It’s a move I suggested back in December and one that still makes sense.
If Dach can overcome yet another setback, it would be a huge bonus. But for the Canadiens, hoping for the best is no longer an option. It’s time to address the second-line center position once and for all.
