Montreal Canadiens’ prominent forward, Kirby Dach, has encountered another significant setback in what seems to be an escalating series of injury concerns. Last season he missed 24 games due to a lower-body injury and also an upper-body injury.
This injury certainly amplifies the worries, not just for Dach but also for the Canadians constantly battling with injuries.
BREAKING: Kirby Dach is out with a “significant injury”. Are the Habs officially the most unlucky team injury-wise? pic.twitter.com/21aIbaoguC
— Habs Fan TV (@HabsFanTV_) October 16, 2023
Blackhawks’ defenseman Jarred Tinordi, unleashed a formidable hit on Dach, causing him to crash into the Blackhawks’ bench. Though the exact nature of the injury remains under wraps, the initial impressions suggest it’s predominantly a lower-body concern.
See the incident here:
The 22-year-old forward, known for his dynamic on-ice presence, was thrust into the spotlight as one of the most promising talents when he was picked as the No. 3 selection by the Blackhawks in the 2019 NHL Draft. His migration to Montreal in 2022 was seen as a major reinforcement for the Canadiens, especially considering his record last season of 38 points from 58 games.
Dach’s contribution to the Canadiens is not confined to mere statistics. As articulated by Canadiens’ coach, Martin St. Louis, Dach has been integral in shaping the physical narrative of games, exhibiting prowess in winning pucks, engaging in intense battles, and exhibiting a top-tier game sense.
Coach Martin St. Louis spoke with Dach, Dach said he was disappointed in the injury.
#Habs Martin St-Louis says he spoke with Kirby Dach last night: “he’s definitely disappointed. It’s hard; second game of the season and all the time you put in to build yourself up for this – it’s hard.”
— Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) October 16, 2023
This comment above makes you wonder if Dach is out for a long-term.
As Montreal faces this situation, players are primed to step up. Alex Newhook, for instance, will shoulder the responsibility of playing center in their next game against the Minnesota Wild on Monday. Newhook’s flexibility to play both center and wing positions amplifies his importance, particularly during these testing times.
The Canadiens are consciously optimizing their line-up in Dach’s absence. Notable shifts include Rafael Harvey-Pinard’s transition to the top line, paired with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, whereas Michael Pezzetta is expected to transition to the fourth line.
“We are not defined by a single player. Our collective prowess and depth will guide us through these challenges,” – Martin St. Louis
As Dach’s diagnosis unfolds, Canadian fans and the hockey community are hoping for a favorable outcome. The subsequent days will be crucial in determining the way forward for Dach and the Montreal Canadiens.
Jamie is the founder of Hockey Response and he is the chief writer/ lead editor. Jamie has been playing hockey for over 20 years. He was the defenseman of the year in NL and has played Jr A level hockey. Jamie has coached several kids hockey camps and he was the assistant coach of the Western Kings.
