Kirby Dach Is Back in the Canadiens’ Good Graces

As if ordained by the stars, it began in Chicago, exactly where his NHL career did. He, along with linemates Owen Beck and Jake Evans, had a ball. Dach played with an intensity not seen in some time and earned an assist on the evening. The quality of his 11:32 on the ice caught eyes, most notably his coach’s. 

In the subsequent trio of games, Dach played over 13 minutes, earning as much as 13:29 versus the Stars. That could be explained by the point that opened this article: his inclusion on the power play. It didn’t pay off, but that’s almost beside the point. A power-play goal signed off by Dach would have been the icing on the cake. 

There is an intensity to his play that was missing earlier in October. Even when he doesn’t net a point, as in Dallas, his forechecking and presence in the offensive zone were more than enough to impress.

Dach’s Future in Montreal

The positive vibes feel good these days. Supporters will always get behind players who put in discernible effort. Dach has obliged; there is no doubt about that. 

But how long can this last? 

For one, as already discussed, he is an up-and-down performer. Not merely this season, but throughout his admittedly injury-riddled career. No one can predict the future, but certain things can be guessed with more confidence than others. Stating that Dach’s quality of play will come back down to earth at some point carries prescience. 

Lest it be overlooked, Ivan Demidov and Suzuki will return to action in the coming weeks. Alex Newhook can’t stay on the top line forever, nor can Oliver Kapanen, and the latter may not even have a permanent home on the second. Supposing lethargy creeps back in, where does Dach fit in then?

Lastly, there is the side of the story that concerns the bean-counts. He’s presently earning $3.6 million for 2026-27 on a one-year extension. Some will say that’s more than enough given his output. If he can keep playing at this level, that’s a very respectable salary, both for him and the club. 

The better the effort, the more precarious Montreal’s front office position. As unrestricted free agency awaits next summer, the management certainly doesn’t want a player finally flirting with their potential leaving for nothing. Do they hope he continues this impressive trajectory to negotiate in summer 2027, or dangle him as trade bait in the winter? Questions, questions.

Whatever the future holds, it’s important to recognize the here and now, and right now, Dach is doing his fair share to keep the Canadiens in competition for an Atlantic Division crown. For a player so often the focus of the fanbase’s ire, it’s a nice reminder of what he’s capable of when things are rolling.