The Montreal Canadiens have announced that forward Kirby Dach will be sidelined for two to four weeks due to an upper-body injury. The injury was sustained during a game against the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday.
Details of the Injury
Dach’s injury occurred early in the match when he was hit by Ducks forward Jeffrey Viel while pursuing the puck along the boards. The impact left Dach in significant pain, and he struggled to get up before returning to the Montreal bench. He did not re-enter the game after logging only 1:13 of ice time during two shifts.
Injury History
This incident is yet another setback in Dach’s injury-plagued career. The 25-year-old forward has faced numerous health issues since being drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2019. Key points in his injury history include:
- Fractured foot in November 2023, which caused him to miss over two months.
- A separate lower-body injury in October 2023 that led to a three-game absence.
- Knee surgery in February 2024, sidelining him for the remainder of that season.
- Limited to just two games in the 2023 season due to a torn ACL and MCL.
In the current 2025-26 season, Dach has played 32 games, scoring eight goals and providing six assists, totaling 14 points. Despite his potential, injuries have consistently held him back from playing a full season. His best performance came in the 2021-22 season when he played 70 games.
Impact on the Canadiens
The Canadiens, currently positioned third in the Atlantic Division with a record of 36-20-10, are six points behind the Buffalo Sabres for first place. Dach’s absence will be felt as the team prepares for their upcoming match against the Boston Bruins.
This latest injury highlights the challenges the Canadiens face this season, as they seek to maintain their competitive edge in the league.
