MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens’ luck with injuries has taken another frustrating turn. The team confirmed on Tuesday that forward Kirby Dach will be sidelined for the next 2 to 4 weeks due to an upper-body injury.
The injury occurred during Sunday’s matchup against the Anaheim Ducks when Ducks winger Jeffrey Viel caught Dach with a high hit early in the first period. Dach, who was visibly shaken, left the ice immediately and did not return. While the hit did not result in a penalty, the fallout for the Canadiens is significant as they enter the final stretch of the 2026 season.
Unfortunate Timing
The timing couldn’t be worse for number 77. After missing 31 games earlier this season with a fractured foot, Dach was finally finding his rhythm and bringing a much-needed physical presence to Montreal’s top six. His offensive production was just starting to trend upward, making this 14-to-28-day recovery window a tough pill to swallow for both the player and the fans.
Depth Tested: St-Louis Adjusts
Despite the loss, head coach Martin St-Louis is not in panic mode. «We have the depth to absorb this,» noted insiders close to the locker room. During Tuesday’s morning skate ahead of a crucial clash with the Boston Bruins, St-Louis revealed his plan: Zachary Bolduc will slot back into the lineup, skating alongside Jake Evans and Alexandre Texier.
The Canadiens are also keeping an eye on the «elephant in the room,» Patrik Laine, who has been skating as an extra and could be a wild card for the power play if the team needs an extra offensive spark during Dach’s absence.
A Golden Opportunity
For the younger core, this is a «prove it» moment. With Dach’s minutes on the second power-play unit up for grabs, players like Bolduc and rookie sensation Ivan Demidov will have more ice time to showcase their growth. If the group rallies, this short-term absence could strengthen Montreal’s chemistry just in time for a potential playoff push.