The Montreal Canadiens have hit what seems like a never-ending run. Really it has been beyond this season, in any case those dastardly injuries have reared their ugly head once again. The news on this Sunday is that Kirby Dach has a fractured foot, an injury that will cost him between four-and-six weeks. Let’s dig in and find out what this means for Dach and Montreal.
Montreal Canadien Kirby Dach Injury Timeline
Personally for Dach, the Fort Saskatchewan product, he needs a full season of health. This season he won’t get it, but he wants to prove to everyone, including himself, he’s a second liner in the NHL. Furthermore, he has the skills and size to do it. At this point, it is just about a bit of luck and focusing on his game.
Over the course of Dach’s seven-year NHL career, we do see a difficult trend. He’s appeared in just 60.2% of his team’s games over the course of that time. Overall, he’s played 284 regular season games, recording 128 total points. That works out to a point-per-game standing of 0.451. You would consider that a decent number of a middle-six forward. However, when it boils down to it, it is barely good for 20 points a season. Hopefully when he returns, it is at 100 percent, and he can put the injury plague behind him.
What’s the Bigger Picture in Montreal
The Habs are already without a few important players due to injury. Patrik Laine, Alex Newhook, and Kaiden Guhle are all out for a while with injuries. Teams can deal with that number of injuries, but it is a huge expectation given the impact of those players. That is magnified, when the Canadiens as a group, are a more so, inexperienced team.
On the flip side, it has presented opportunity for some of the younger players. Players that were considered lower on the depth charts, but have the chance to improve. Moreover, they have the chance to be top-six producers, opposed to bottom-six depth and defensive contributors. Oliver Kapanen and Jake Evans are the best examples of those type of players. It will present a big challenge for the squad. If they can remain competitive in the Atlantic Division, it will be a huge step. Don’t be surprised if general manager Kent Hughes finds the right fit, he will explore the trade market. However, even if he doesn’t, the young crop needs to recognize the tough situation they’re in.
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
