Canadiens Rumors: Montreal Gets Troubling News On Kirby Dach

Tuesday, August 05, 2025
Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach reacts during 2025 game.

With the Montreal Canadiens just weeks away from training camp, concerns are mounting over the health of center Kirby Dach. 

According to Maxime Truman of DansLesCoulisses, Dach remains in rehab mode nearly five months after undergoing surgery on his right knee, his second knee operation in 18 months. He’s currently in Edmonton working out with teammate Kaiden Guhle, but has yet to return to full skating or off-season training, fueling doubt about his readiness for the start of the 2025-26 season.

Dach’s Absence Adds Uncertainty to Canadiens’ Depth Chart

Despite optimism earlier this year that Dach would be ready for camp, sources now say he’s far from 100% and hasn't skated at full speed all summer. His prolonged recovery timeline leaves Montreal thin at center behind Nick Suzuki, especially after a quiet offseason. 

While Alex Newhook is the most likely candidate to step into the second-line role, his chemistry with winger Ivan Demidov last season was limited. Internal options like Jake Evans, Joe Veleno, Oliver Kapanen, or Owen Beck offer little top-six upside, and the trade market appears quiet for now.

Canadiens Face Tough Call at Second-Line Center

Dach’s injury history, from concussions to multiple knee surgeries, continues to cloud what once looked like a breakout NHL career. He’s never played more than 70 games in a season and has surpassed the 60-game mark only three times in nine junior or pro years. 

Unless GM Kent Hughes makes a surprise August move, expect Newhook to open the season as the team’s No. 2 center, and he’ll need to prove he can handle the job.

Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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