The Montreal Canadiens fanbase has been holding its breath, waiting for any sign of good news about forward Kirby Dach as the 2025-26 NHL season approaches.

After months of speculation and cautious optimism, recent developments have suddenly cast a long shadow over Dach’s immediate future with the team.

General manager Kent Hughes has finally broken his silence, but instead of bringing clarity and comfort, his latest update has only fueled more uncertainty and concern among fans and media alike.

Dach, once seen as a cornerstone of the Canadiens’ rebuild, has now spent three consecutive seasons battling injuries that have kept him off the ice during crucial moments.

Now, as the team prepares for another campaign, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Dach will be able to lace up his skates at all when the puck drops this fall.

Hughes’ comments reveal more than just medical updates—they hint at a deeper, more troubling reality that could have major implications for both the player and the franchise.

What exactly did Hughes say, and how bad is the situation for Dach? Is this just a temporary setback, or could it spell a much larger problem for Montreal’s plans? The answers might surprise you.

Photo credit: NHL.com

We have just received an injury update on Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach from general manager Kent Hughes, and it’s doesn’t sound promising at all.

After several reports highlighted worry surrounding Kirby Dach’s status for the 2025-26 NHL season, it appears that the worst may actually be confirmed.

The Canadiens organization has admitted that Dach may have to miss the start of this upcoming NHL season.

After Dach underwent a medical procedure in February, the Canadiens revealed that he would be fully recovered and ready to start training camp with his teammates in 2025.

Sadly for Dach, the script has changed, as that’s clearly not the case.

It appears that it may even be worse.

This marks three consecutive seasons of injury troubles removing Dach from meaningful games.

Canadiens GM Kent Hughes issues large injury update on Kirby Dach

“We’re hoping he’ll be ready to start the season, or ready sometime in the fall.

But we have no intention of rushing anything.

We have to be careful and smart with his return to play.”

– Canadiens GM Kent Hughes

Worry continues to surround Dach’s name in the Montreal media, as fans have yet to witness a season of full health from the forward, since being acquired by the Canadiens in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks.

“So not only is the GM unable to say he’ll be 100% ready for camp, but he’s also unable to confirm he’ll start the season.

He’s “hoping” he’ll be ready.

That leads us to believe that no, Dach isn’t recovered from his knee injury, right?”

– Danslescoulisses

The Canadiens will now have to find a replacement to fill the void left behind by Dach before the start of the regular season.