The air inside the Canadiens’ training facility crackled with anticipation as Martin St-Louis, the team’s head coach, stepped up to the podium.

With cameras flashing and reporters leaning in, St-Louis was about to make a decision that could redefine the team’s trajectory for the entire season.

All eyes were on Kirby Dach, the enigmatic forward whose unique blend of skill and unpredictability has kept fans and analysts guessing since day one.

In a move that has already ignited passionate debate across Montreal, St-Louis revealed his latest plan for Dach—a decision that could either unlock the team’s full potential or set off a chain reaction of pressure and uncertainty.

But the announcement came with a twist, leaving everyone wondering just how secure Dach’s role really is, and what it means for the rest of the roster.

As whispers of lineup changes and preseason strategies swirl, the spotlight grows hotter on Dach, who seems poised to become the Canadiens’ most influential player this year.

Will he rise to the challenge and lead the charge, or will unforeseen obstacles force the team to rethink everything? The answer could shape not only the opening nights, but the very fate of the season itself.

Photo of Martin St Louis and Canadiens players

Photo credit: NHL

The head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, Martin St-Louis, has indeed just announced his decision regarding forward Kirby Dach.

He confirmed in the past few hours that Dach is officially his second-line center, for the moment at least, and now he has also confirmed that he will be sending Dach into action during the preseason games.. even though he was moved to another group on day two of training camp.

We really weren’t sure about this one, but now we already have confirmation.. And clearly, this seems to confirm that Dach will also play the first game of the regular season (if everything goes well).

Martin St-Louis Decides to Immediately Throw Kirby Dach Into the Action

One thing’s for sure, Kirby Dach keeps getting people talking!

And honestly, it’s completely normal because he strangely has the “power” to change everything for the Canadiens this season.

Whether he wants it or not, he might be the most decisive player on the Canadiens this season.

Let me explain!

If Kirby Dach becomes the 2023 version of himself again and is truly dominant as the second-line center, it will have a major impact on the Canadiens’ success.

However, if he struggles in all kinds of ways, it will put much more pressure on Ivan Demidov as well as on the Canadiens’ first line (not to mention the fact that it will force management to find another second-line center).

The second-line center role is so important for an NHL team, and until proven otherwise, HE is the second-line center of the Montreal Canadiens this year.

Let’s hope to see a fully healthy Dach to start the season! It would solve so many issues all at once!

More details to come.