The Montreal Canadiens are squaring off against the Anaheim Ducks in a matchup with playoff implications on the line. The Ducks are introducing John Carlson to their lineup after a significant trade just before the NHL Trade Deadline. But the spotlight right now is on the Canadiens, who are more concerned with the health of their forward, Kirby Dach.
Early in the game, Dach took a heavy hit from Ducks forward Jeffery Viel. Since then, he’s been absent from the bench, as noted by Montreal Gazette’s Stu Cowan. Dach headed to the locker room after the hit, raising concerns about his availability for the rest of the game.
Dach is in his fourth season with the Canadiens, having been acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2022 NHL Draft. His time in Montreal has been marred by injuries, which have kept him from reaching his full potential.
The former third overall pick has faced significant challenges with his health. In his second season with the Canadiens, he was limited to just two games. Since joining Montreal, he hasn’t played 60 games in a single season, with his rookie year in Chicago being the only time he’s hit that mark.
This season has been no different for Dach, who missed all of December and much of January due to a fractured foot. In the 31 games he’s managed to play, Dach has tallied eight goals and 14 points. Fans and teammates alike are hoping that his latest injury isn’t serious, and that he can return to the ice soon.