The Montreal Canadiens announced on Friday that forward Kirby Dach will miss the remainder of the season.
Dach underwent surgery to his right knee. The procedure was performed in Montreal by Dr. Thierry Pauyo and a full recovery is expected before the start of next season. He suffered the injury in the game on February 22 against the Ottawa Senators and has been out of the lineup since.
It is the second straight season that Dach required knee surgery. The 24-year-old had 10 goals and 12 assists in 57 games after playing only two games last season. Dach has one more year on his current contract with a cap hit of $3,362,500.
Owen Beck has been playing on the second line in Dach’s absence, but it remains to be seen whether the Canadiens make any additional roster moves before the NHL Trade Deadline. With Jake Evans and Joel Armia among those on the trade block, the Canadiens may need to add bodies should any moves take place.
Montreal is on a three-game winning streak and are currently five points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.
