Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
There is increasing smoke pointing toward an imminent departure from the Montreal Canadiens for Kirby Dach.
Respected voices are now openly questioning his future in Montreal.
Most experts are in agreement. It’s not impossible that Dach returns to the Canadiens for one final season, but after that, it genuinely appears to be over.
That was clearly not the original plan-to have him in Montreal for only four years (if he stays one more season)-but everything suggests he will leave sooner than expected.
Simon-Olivier Lorange of La Presse did not mince words.
Speaking on 98.5 FM, he delivered a rather clear assessment.
“I’m struggling to see a bright future for Kirby Dach.”
According to him, the forward simply doesn’t have many strong arguments in his favor.
It’s difficult to make a convincing case before an arbitrator with a resume like his.
Lorange also believes the Canadiens are mainly trying to buy time and that the team’s initial two-way qualifying offer is proof of that.
Eric Engels also doubts he’ll remain beyond one more season
Another analyst shares the same opinion.
Eric Engels of Sportsnet gave his assessment of the situation on Tony Marinaro’s The Sick Podcast.
Engels acknowledged that one final season with the Canadiens is possible for Dach, but he has a hard time seeing him remain beyond next season.
Dach is neither the type of player suited for a supporting role nor consistent enough to be a top-six forward.
The forward recorded just 15 points in 37 games this season, and he has simply been unable to stay healthy.
Several scenarios remain possible.
A trade this summer, a departure during the season, or leaving as an unrestricted free agent in a year.
What seems highly unlikely is a long-term contract in Montreal.
Both sides appear to be heading toward a separation.
I’m really looking forward to seeing when this chapter officially comes to an end, but it will evidently happen sooner than expected.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Kirby Dach may leave the Montreal Canadiens sooner than expected
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