Montreal Canadiensโ Kirby Dach Out for Remainder of the Season Following Knee Surgery
The Montreal Canadiens have announced a significant setback for their team as forward Kirby Dach will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2024-25 NHL season after undergoing surgery on his right knee. The 24-year-oldโs procedure, which was performed by Dr. Therry Pauyo in Montreal, was successful, and a full recovery is expected before the start of the 2025-26 season.
Dachโs injury history has been a troubling aspect of his young career. He missed nearly the entire 2023-24 season after suffering a torn MCL and ACL in his right knee, playing just two games before the injury ended his campaign. While it remains unclear whether this recent surgery is connected to the previous issue, the fact that both injuries are in the same knee raises concerns.
In 57 games this season, Dach had been a key player for the Canadiens, contributing 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 total points. Despite his injury struggles over the years, Dachโs performance in 2024-25 showed promise, and his absence will undoubtedly impact Montrealโs offensive depth as the team finishes the remainder of the season.
The Canadiens have continued to fight for a spot in the Eastern Conferenceโs Stanley Cup Playoff race, but Dachโs injury means they will have to make do without a crucial forward. The team has managed to win the last two games without Dach in the lineup, showing resilience, but his absence moving forward will likely make it more challenging for Montreal to keep up with the top teams in the standings.
Dach was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks as the third overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. Since joining the league, he has played in 269 career games, accumulating 43 goals and 78 assists for 121 total points. Unfortunately, Dach has never been able to stay healthy for a full season, with his career-high of 64 games coming in his rookie year. This latest injury will continue to raise questions about his ability to stay on the ice and fulfill his potential in the coming years.
As the Canadiens move forward without Dach, the team will look to other players to step up and carry the offensive load. The 24-year-oldโs recovery will be closely monitored, but the priority will be his health and ensuring that he can make a full return for the next season.