As the Montreal Canadiens gear up for another pivotal NHL season, the spotlight unexpectedly falls on one of their most intriguing acquisitions in recent years—Kirby Dach.

Once hailed as a budding superstar with the potential to transform the franchise, Dach’s journey in Montreal has been anything but straightforward.

Behind the scenes, whispers of uncertainty and concern have begun to circulate, casting a shadow over his future on the ice.

The promise that accompanied his arrival from Chicago has collided with a series of setbacks that few could have predicted, leaving fans and analysts alike searching for answers.

But what really happened to Kirby Dach? Why has his path taken such a dramatic and worrisome turn, despite a strong start in his new colors?

The answers are far more complex—and perhaps more unsettling—than anyone anticipated. From untimely injuries to the latest revelations from medical experts, the story of Dach’s recovery is layered with mystery and risk.

As club management anxiously awaits his return, and specialists weigh in on his prospects, the fate of this former top draft pick hangs in the balance.

What does the future hold for Kirby Dach, and are fans prepared for what comes next? The details may surprise you.

Jan 28, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Kirby Dach (77) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Winnipeg Jets at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Upon his arrival at the head of the Montreal Canadiens, Kent Hughes went for the big move by acquiring Kirby Dach from the Chicago Blackhawks.

If the goal was to revive the young man’s career in a new environment, it’s safe to say that unfortunately things did not go that way.

It actually started well, as in his first season with the club, Dach recorded 38 points (including 14 goals) in 58 games.

An increase of 12 points in 12 fewer games compared to his last season with Chicago.

But that was before a knee injury occurred and made him miss almost the entirety of the 2023-2024 season.

In 2024-2025, after an initial knee surgery, we thought his bad luck was behind him, but another injury to the same knee led to a second anterior cruciate ligament surgery in as many years.

As of today, the future of the 3rd overall pick in the 2019 Draft is, to say the least, unclear.

The club’s management is now left simply hoping he returns in time for the start of the season.

“Our hope is that he’s ready to go, either start of the season or some point early in the fall. But we certainly have no intention of rushing him in any way”

– Kent Hughes

A sports physiotherapist explains the case of Kirby Dach

On the airwaves of 98.5FM, physiotherapist Gabriel Perreault agreed to comment on the operations Dach has undergone in recent years.

The one who worked for the Rimouski Océanic, Hockey Québec, and the Canadiens’ Rookie Camp explained why the return to the ice is taking so long.

“Why do we normally take so much time before sending him back?

We want to make sure that the later we send him back to play, the more the tendon will have become a ligament.

So we ensure that the graft will remain solid.”

– Gabriel Perreault

According to the specialist’s remarks, the chances of seeing Dach at 100% again are slim, which is extremely worrying for his NHL future (if he never comes back at 100%).

It’s even possible that this second surgery could end in failure.

“What the statistics tell us at the base is that yes, if there is a second surgery, the failure rate increases.

However, the athlete can return to his previous level.

In studies of athletes ranging from amateur to professional, we see a return-to-play rate of about 80% post-surgery and about 60% return to their prior level.

For a professional athlete, that 60% can climb to 80%, which can become encouraging.

However, depending on the surgery, there may be certain limitations.”

– Gabriel Perreault

Beyond the price Dach cost (Alexander Romanov among others), it is unfortunate for the player to have reached this point today.

Bad luck seems to have always struck him since junior hockey and doesn’t seem to want to leave.

It is sad to imagine what Dach’s career could have been if he had been even a little luckier.

Let’s hope (not for the Canadiens, who can always replace him) that the future will be brighter for him.