Most experts are in agreement.<\/a> It’s not impossible that Dach returns to the Canadiens for one final season, but after that, it genuinely appears to be over.<\/p>\nThat 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.<\/p>\n
Simon-Olivier Lorange of La Presse did not mince words.<\/p>\n
Speaking on 98.5 FM, he delivered a rather clear assessment.<\/p>\n
“I’m struggling to see a bright future for Kirby Dach.”<\/p>\n
According to him, the forward simply doesn’t have many strong arguments in his favor.<\/p>\n
It’s difficult to make a convincing case before an arbitrator with a resume like his.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Eric Engels also doubts he’ll remain beyond one more season<\/p>\n
Another analyst shares the same opinion.<\/p>\n
Eric Engels of Sportsnet gave his assessment of the situation on Tony Marinaro’s The Sick Podcast.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Dach is neither the type of player suited for a supporting role nor consistent enough to be a top-six forward.<\/p>\n
The forward recorded just 15 points in 37 games this season, and he has simply been unable to stay healthy.<\/p>\n
Several scenarios remain possible.<\/p>\n
A trade this summer, a departure during the season, or leaving as an unrestricted free agent in a year.<\/p>\n
What seems highly unlikely is a long-term contract in Montreal.<\/p>\n
Both sides appear to be heading toward a separation.<\/p>\n
I’m really looking forward to seeing when this chapter officially comes to an end, but it will evidently happen sooner than expected.<\/p>\n
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics<\/p>\n
POLL<\/p>\n
2 HOURS AGO|221 ANSWERS<\/p>\n
Kirby Dach may leave the Montreal Canadiens sooner than expected<\/p>\n
Does Kirby Dach still have a long-term future with the Montreal Canadiens?<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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