The Montreal Canadiens have announced that Kirby Dach is done for the year, having sustained tears of both the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his right knee.
Dach came out of the game early versus the Chicago Blackahwks in a game on Saturday night, but had already appeared to be dealing with something in the pre-season, first slow to get back to his feet after a collision with Joel Armia, and again staying down for several moments in a later pre-season contest.
The Canadiens were counting on Dach to be their second-line centre, and top defensive option this season. His absence leaves a major hole in the Canadiens’ lineup than no one player will be able to step into, but for now Alex Newhook is the one taking that job.
Dach played just 58 games last season, and less than two matches in 2023-24.
Another centre, Christian Dvorak, has begun practising with the team in a non-contact jersey, and may be available sometime in the next few days or weeks to help carry the burden down the middle.
