Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach will be out for 2 to 4 weeks due to an upper-body injury. This injury occurred during a recent game against the Anaheim Ducks, where Dach left the ice after taking a hit from Jeffrey Viel.
Dach’s injury adds to a challenging season for the player, who has already missed 31 games this year due to a fractured foot. In the 32 games he has played this season, Dach has recorded 8 goals and 14 points.
Drafted third overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Dach has faced numerous challenges throughout his seven-year NHL career. He has averaged just 43 games per season and has never played more than 70 games in a single season.
Earlier this season, Dach missed over 31 games due to a fractured foot, and he also lost nearly the entirety of the 2023-24 season and parts of the 2024-25 season due to ACL and MCL tears in his right knee. His injury history has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike.
Despite these setbacks, Dach has shown improvement in his two-way play this season, achieving a career-best 52.0% expected goals share at even strength. His performance has been a bright spot for the Canadiens, who have struggled this season.
Following the injury, the Canadiens released a statement, saying, “Forward Kirby Dach will be out for 2 to 4 weeks due to an upper-body injury.” Observers note that Dach fell to the ice and held his face in his gloves before making his way to the bench, indicating the severity of the situation.
As the Canadiens navigate the remainder of the season without Dach, questions remain about how they will adjust their lineup. The team has faced significant challenges this season, and Dach’s absence will undoubtedly impact their performance.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact nature of Dach’s injury and the potential for further complications. However, his history of injuries raises concerns about his long-term availability and performance.
Moving forward, the Canadiens will need to rely on their depth and other players to step up in Dach’s absence as they aim to improve their standings in the league.
