Dach and the Montreal Canadiens' worst fears were realized as it was confirmed he will miss the remainder of the 2023-24 season with a torn ACL and MCL. Dach only had the opportunity to suit up twice this season, recording two points (0G / 2A), leaving before the completion of his second game. The 22-year-old has already battled a myriad of injuries in his young career. At least for the time being, newcomer Alex Newhook will presume the duties of second-line center for the Canadiens.
Kirby Dach News
The Canadiens received terrible news Monday morning as Dach is expected to be out indefinitely after suffering a lower-body injury in Saturday's matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks. The 22-year-old center had two assists, three shots, and three hits in his first two games of the season. Alex Newhook is expected to replace Dach as the second-line center.
Dach has 14 goals, 24 assists, 107 SOG, 43 PIMs and a -2 plus/minus through 58 games this season but will now miss at least a week due to an upper-body injury. The 22-year-old has battled injuries all season and will hope to be back in the shortest amount of time as he is having a breakout season in his first year in Montreal.
Dach last played for Montreal on February 14th due to a lower-body injury but will be back in the Canadiens lineup Tuesday. The 22-year-old was enjoying his most productive season to date prior to his injury, with 12 goals, 23 assists, 99 SOG, 43 PIMs and a -4 plus/minus through 54 games prior to his injury.
Dach has 12 goals, 23 assists, 99 SOG, 43 PIMs and a -4 plus/minus through 54 games played this season but will miss Thursday's contest vs. Carolina due to a non-covid-related illness. Rem Pitlick will replace him in the Canadiens lineup.
Dach will miss Saturday's game in Nashville with a shoulder sprain and will be replaced by Tyler Johnson. It's unclear how long Dach will be sidelined.
Dach missed the morning skate due to a non-COVID illness and will be a game-time decision vs. the Sabres. If Dach can't play, look for Philipp Kurashev to draw back into the lineup.
Dach will likely draw back into the lineup on Friday after being activated from the COVID-19 protocol list. In addition to Dach, Brett Connolly was also activated and Dylan Strome was activated yesterday.
Dach underwent surgery to repair a fractured right wrist in late-December and is expected to miss 4-5 months. Dach is not expected to play this season unless he's ahead of his rehab schedule, so moving him to LTIR was an inevitable move. It provides the Blackhawks with salary cap relief.
Dach played in 10 straight games, registering three points (1G / 2A) and 10 shots while playing 11:06 ATOI. Head coach Jeremy Colliton told reporters that "scratching [Dach] was part of the development plan." He will be replaced by Dominik Kubalik.