The Montreal Canadiens’ second line lineup currently features Kirby Dach at center, flanked by wingers Ivan Demidov and Patrik Laine. However, uncertainty remains regarding the specific roles each player will assume, especially concerning Laine’s place on the power play units. Questions arise about how the team intends to utilize these players effectively as the new <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL season approaches.

Georges Laraque, former Edmonton Oilers enforcer and six-season veteran, shared his critical views on the Canadiens’ strategy during a recent Oilers Now podcast appearance. Laraque expressed doubt about Laine’s role, emphasizing the challenges of accommodating him on the power play given his contract and previous team performance, while also raising concerns about Dach’s durability as a second-line center.

Challenges Surrounding Patrik Laine’s Power Play Position

Laine, a significant financial commitment on the Canadiens’ roster with a four-year, $34.8 million contract and an $8.7 million cap hit, has become a focal point of speculation. In the previous season, 19 of his 33 points came from the power play in only 52 games, highlighting the importance of his contributions in that particular situation. Despite talks of trading him, no deals materialized due to the difficulty in finding a team willing to take on his contract.

The Canadiens face a dilemma: placing Laine on the power play is crucial to justify his value, but doing so alongside Demidov could force adjustments that impact other parts of the lineup. Integrating both wingers on the power play means potentially sacrificing an additional player or limiting ice time and shifts for Dach on the second line. Laraque voiced his reservations about this configuration.

“I was hearing things that they would try to get rid of Laine, and it’s not easy,” Laraque said (21:10 onwards). “As you said, there’s a lot of money tied up. I don’t understand that they would start the season with Dach as a center, with Laine and Demidov because last year in the playoffs, the power play was doing better with Demidov on a power play than Laine.

“If you’re keeping Laine, you’ve got to put him on a power play because if he doesn’t play on a power play, what is he good for? That’s why it’s really tough because time’s running out.”

Doubts Over Kirby Dach’s Second-Line Center Role Due to Injuries

Kirby Dach’s presence at the center position has also drawn skepticism, especially given his injury history. Across six NHL seasons, Dach has played only 269 games, with significant absences caused by a serious wrist injury in the 2020-21 season and two major knee surgeries during the 2023-24 campaign. These setbacks limited him to just 58 games last season and raise concerns about his long-term reliability and physical readiness to handle a crucial role.

“They need a second line center. I know you like Kirby Dach and he might be a good kid, but a lot of injuries, 35 games to get going. When he got going, got hurt again, two big injuries, another surgery on the same knee that he got surgery. Montreal now has to make the playoffs next year because what they did last year.

“I don’t think Kirby Dach at the second line center is the answer. I don’t know if they’re still looking for one, but there’s a big missing piece right now. It’s in that position,” Laraque added.

Despite these concerns, Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes and the team appear committed to starting Dach in the center spot for the second line as they prepare for the new season. His ability to stay healthy and perform consistently will be critical to the team’s success moving forward.

Implications for Canadiens’ Season and Future Moves

The uncertainty over Patrik Laine’s power play role and Kirby Dach’s reliability at center underscores the difficult balancing act Montreal faces. Laine’s costly contract demands clear justification through his impact, especially on special teams, while Dach’s injury record poses a risk for a position that requires stability and endurance.

With time running short before the season begins, the Canadiens must find a workable solution that maximizes their offensive potential without compromising lineup consistency. How Montreal navigates these challenges could influence their push for a playoff spot and determine whether managerial adjustments or roster moves become necessary.