As the NHL offseason winds down, focus shifts toward the Montreal Canadiens’ roster, with particular attention on Kirby Dach’s challenging 2024-25 campaign. Dach’s season was plagued by injury once again, limiting his ability to fulfill expectations as the team’s second-line centre. Before being sidelined, he registered 10 goals and 22 points across 57 games, but defensive struggles were evident, reflected by a team-worst minus-29 rating. This statistic, alongside visual observations, revealed significant defensive challenges marked by slower reaction times.

Dach was initially acquired for his promising two-way abilities, hockey intelligence, and physical stature at 6-foot-4 and 221 pounds. Rather than initiating physical plays, he uses his size to absorb pressure and maintain puck possession through reach and cycling. These skills enable him to create passing lanes and scoring chances, but inconsistency has hampered his impact since joining Montreal. His faceoff proficiency was a particular weakness, despite achieving a personal best 40.3% success rate in 2024-25. Notably, the Canadiens advanced in the playoffs after his season ended, showing the team’s capacity to compete without him.

Compounding concerns, Dach underwent surgery on the same right knee that ended his previous season prematurely. Despite playing every game earlier in the year, he managed only 59 games over the past two seasons combined, raising questions about his durability. Statistical measures from Natural Stat Trick during 2024-25 illustrated his struggles, including a 44.6% Corsi for percentage, 45.2% expected goals for percentage, and 45.09% high-danger chance share, all below league-average levels.

These performances create doubts about Dach’s suitability as a reliable second-line centre. While the organization hoped he would solidify this role and provide offensive support alongside Nick Suzuki in the top six, his inconsistent play and injury setbacks prevented him from meeting these expectations. Whether his offseason preparation was hindered by rehabilitation or other factors remains uncertain, but he fell short of contributing the needed depth at centre position heading into the future.

Outlook for Dach’s Role in the 2025-26 Season

Looking to the 2025-26 season, Kirby Dach stands as one of Montreal’s most pivotal players, with his performance likely influencing management’s next moves. At 24 years old and entering the final year of his contract worth $3.362 million, Dach will become a restricted free agent come offseason. With the rebuild progressing faster than anticipated, his window to prove value to the Canadiens is narrowing rapidly.

Jeff Gorton, Montreal’s executive vice president, expressed a sense of urgency at the season-ending press conference, emphasizing that Dach’s opportunity to establish himself as the second-line centre is limited. Gorton indicated that Dach must return to full health and deliver immediate contributions for both short- and long-term benefit. However, his tone reflected skepticism, stating,

“he would need a big camp to hit the ground running.”

Despite full recovery, bookmakers’ odds for Montreal making the playoffs remain slim, potentially motivating Dach and teammates to exceed expectations.

While no definitive assurances were given regarding Dach’s readiness for the 2025-26 season in February, the team projected his availability in a press release about his injury. GM Kent Hughes highlighted Dach’s physical attributes—size, strength, and grit—which align with what the Canadiens seek in a second-line centre. Hughes noted hope for Dach to be game-ready at season start or early autumn, but cautioned against rushing him back following multiple knee surgeries. Rebuilding strength and agility is essential before he can rejoin NHL competition, making his health and performance critical variables for the team’s outlook.

Fans may question Dach’s longevity given his limited playtime over the past two years and recurrence of injury to the same knee. Although he might physically suit up for the season opener, the broader concern rests on whether he can finally fulfill the centre role the Canadiens desperately need. Dach’s presence and consistent performance could influence Montreal’s competitive ceiling significantly.

Implications of Dach’s Recovery and Performance for Montreal

Kirby Dach’s trajectory will be instrumental in shaping the Canadiens’ near-term plans and aspirations. If he regains full health and performs as expected, he could provide the necessary depth and stability at centre to support Nick Suzuki and enhance the team’s offensive balance. Conversely, failure to meet expectations may prompt management to explore trade options or other roster changes during the offseason.

The Canadiens face a critical period where decisions on Dach’s future role and contract will coincide with ongoing efforts to accelerate their rebuild. His success or struggles have broader implications on how Montreal positions itself in the Eastern Conference, especially as they strive to return to playoff contention. Dach’s ability to overcome past injuries and establish consistent play could alleviate significant pressure on the club’s core lineup.

Ultimately, Dach’s status entering the 2025-26 season embodies a pressing dilemma for the Canadiens—balancing cautious optimism about his potential against the realities imposed by repeated setbacks. Fans and management alike await an indication that he can transform promise into dependable performance, as the team navigates a pivotal juncture in its evolution.