As the anticipation for the new NHL season reaches fever pitch in Montreal, the spotlight is once again fixed on the Canadiens’ second-line center dilemma—a question that has haunted the team’s plans for years.

Kirby Dach, the talented young forward acquired to fill this crucial role, finds himself at the center of heated debate and mounting pressure.

On the airwaves of BPM Sports, former Canadiens defenseman Gilbert Delorme has broken his summer silence with some surprisingly candid—and controversial—comments that have sent shockwaves through the fanbase and reignited doubts about Dach’s readiness.

Delorme’s remarks, comparing Dach to a former NHL star known for his skill but questioned for his toughness, have not only fueled skepticism but also forced the organization and its supporters to confront uncomfortable truths.

Is Dach truly capable of becoming the hard-nosed, reliable pivot Montreal desperately needs? Or do lingering concerns about his consistency and injury history signal deeper problems ahead?

With the stakes higher than ever and the trade market looming as a costly alternative, the Canadiens must decide whether to trust their internal solution or seek help elsewhere. The answers—and the drama—promise to unfold in unexpected ways as the season begins.

Montreal Canadiens center Kirby Dach and former Montreal Canadiens player Gilbert Delorme

Photo credit: All Habs / NHL

It’s the big return of regular programming on sports radio, and Gilbert Delorme, who we hadn’t heard much from over the summer, had plenty to say about a Canadiens player.

On the eve of a new season, the question of the second-line center continues to hover around the Montreal Canadiens. Once again, Kirby Dach finds himself at the heart of this discussion.

The forward, acquired from the Blackhawks with the hope of filling this key role, will once again have the chance to prove he can be the solution the organization has been searching for.

His talent is not in question. Dach has an appealing frame, strong vision, and puck-carrying ability that makes him an intriguing player. However, the skeptics remain numerous.

Many fans and observers doubt whether he can, in the medium or long term, establish himself as the number two pivot behind Nick Suzuki. The main concerns lie in his consistency, but also in his ability to stay healthy after already being slowed by significant injuries.

Gilbert Delorme takes aim at Kirby Dach on BPM Sports airwaves

Some former players and analysts remind us that a second-line center must not only produce offensively but also impose a tough, hard-to-play-against style of hockey. True to form, the outspoken Gilbert Delorme spoke about this on BPM Sports:

“I’m telling you, he reminds me.. I used to play back in the day against Peter McNab, big guy, big man, good hands, the whole package, soft as crap! Easy to play against!”

“Is that fight in him?” asks Delorme, raising the question on many fans’ minds: does Dach have the aggressiveness and presence to establish himself in the NHL?”

– Gilbert Delorme

For the organization, the situation remains delicate. Counting on Dach as the internal solution would help avoid the high price of the trade market, where finding a young quality center can quickly become costly. However, if doubts persist and results don’t follow, the Canadiens may be forced to consider other options to fill this strategic role.

The upcoming season will therefore represent a crucial step in Dach’s development. If he manages to raise his game and stay consistently in the lineup, he could begin to silence the critics. Otherwise, the skeptical voices will only grow louder, and the Canadiens will need to revisit their plan to solidify the center position.