Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
According to the initial announcement from the Montreal Canadiens, forward Kirby Dach should probably already be back in the lineup.
However, that is clearly not the case, and it doesn’t look like it will happen anytime soon. We’ve now reached the six-week mark, and Kirby Dach is not ready.
According to Eric Engels, the Montreal Canadiens remain very cautious with his return following a fractured foot. We are already at the well-known six-week threshold, but he could miss a bit more time before being 100%.
The message is simple: no shortcuts. The team initially spoke of an absence of four to six weeks, announced in November. That pointed to a possible return before the end of December, but the window is slipping. When a player stays in Montreal while the team is on the road, it says a lot.
We’ll have to wait longer.
Return to play further delayed for Kirby Dach
Dach is 24 years old, and it’s a situation that has drawn attention for two years now. This season, he has 5 goals and 2 assists for 7 points in 15 games. Last year, he had 22 points in 57 games.
That’s not ridiculous production, but repeated stoppages slow everything down. His contract adds another layer of pressure. He is on a four-year deal worth $13.45M, which comes out to an average of $3.36M per year.
The good news in the same update is Kaiden Guhle. Still according to Engels, things are progressing in the right direction, and there is some optimism for a return shortly after the road trip.
“Canadiens are being cautious with Kirby Dach’s return from a fractured foot. We’re at the six-week mark, but might be just a bit longer before he’s 100%.
Meanwhile, Kaiden Guhle trending in the right direction. Some optimism he could be back shortly after Habs return from the road.”
– Eric Engels
Guhle is 23 years old. He has played only five games this season, but his absence is quickly noticeable. For Montreal, the key point is management. The Canadiens have no interest in bringing Dach back too early only to lose him again right away (as has happened too often).
The next clues will come from practices and team updates.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics