Since entering the NHL as the third overall pick in 2019, Kirby Dach has remained a puzzle yet to be solved. He boasts the size, speed, and skill set of a top-tier player, but injuries and inconsistency have prevented him from truly breaking out. While flashes of brilliance suggest he’s on the verge of turning a corner, those moments are too often followed by setbacks—whether due to injuries or dips in performance.
In many ways, Dach has developed a reputation as a player fans and analysts always expect more from—just not today. In culinary terms, he’s been more of a side dish than a main course, leaving fans hungry for something more substantial.
Is He a Center?
The Canadiens continue to preach patience with the 6-foot-4 forward. They invested heavily to acquire him from Chicago, and at just 24 years old, there’s still room for growth. But a critical question remains: is he truly a center?
While Dach is frequently listed as the team’s second-line pivot, the numbers tell a different story. His 201 faceoff attempts this season rank just fifth among Montreal forwards:
- Nick Suzuki – 763
- Jake Evans – 674
- Christian Dvorak – 633
- Alex Newhook – 317
- Kirby Dach – 201
And then, his 38.8% success rate is worst in this group…
For a player touted as a top-six center, Dach’s lack of faceoff responsibility raises doubts about his long-term fit at the position. If the Canadiens don’t see him as their future second-line center, Kent Hughes may already be searching for a replacement—whether through free agency, a trade, or the draft.
What’s Next for Dach?
If center isn’t the long-term plan, the next question becomes: where does he fit? Could he thrive as a winger, where defensive responsibilities are lighter and he can focus on using his size and skill in transition? Or does his inconsistent production make him a potential trade chip in Montreal’s ongoing rebuild?
So far this season, Dach has recorded 10 goals and nine assists for 19 points, along with a minus-24 differential rating, in 50 games. That puts him on pace for 16 goals and 31 points—a modest return for a player receiving regular power-play minutes (2:34 per game). By comparison, Jake Evans—who doesn’t see any power-play time and plays in a bottom-six role—is tracking for 18 goals and 41 points.
If Dach can’t prove he’s truly a second-line center, Kent Hughes will need answers—potentially reshaping his approach to the trade deadline or, more likely, the offseason.
Kirby Dach is running out of runway to cement himself as a key piece of the Canadiens’ future. While injuries have certainly played a role in his stalled development, the reality is that Montreal will need answers soon. Will he step up and become the impact player they envisioned, or will he remain a tantalizing what if?
