Kirby Dach’s deployment during his first season with the Montreal Canadiens, saw him leaving his print at both centre and right wing. While he had a solid season in his own right, it’d be best for his development, if he could stick to one position.
The issue is that he slots on so well alongside Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, and the Habs have Monahan that can slot in perfectly as centre number two.
It’s my belief and preference to slot Dach behind Suzuki. The Canadiens have a 6-foot-4 guy that can hold his own and provide a large presence up the middle for the Canadiens, it’s more important to have two great lines in the top six than one. The best way to do that is by allowing Dach to slot in with another winger creating two scoring lines for the Habs.
It’s already pencilled in with Caufield and Suzuki at the top of the lineup. But after the first line is where the intrigue factor sets in. Who slots in beside Dach? Personally, I think Newhook or RHP would be a nice fit. To complete the trio, whichever player out of Monahan and Anderson that isn’t on the top line, would fit nicely.
In 2022-23 Dach showed well in his first season wearing the Canadiens crest, he managed career-highs in goals, assists and points. In 38 games the Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta native, posted 14 goals, and 24 assists for 38 points in 58 games. He showed confidence, and was very effective in front of the opposing net, taking up space and being open to deflect pucks.
Dach Is A Center
I believe that all the good things about Dach would really allow him to thrive as a centre. He is big and strong and he skates well, he has a long stick and the skill of catching pucks with his stick. In the face-off circle, he has worked hard, and while there is room for improvement, he could manage quite well, and in times of need, you put Monahan on his wing to help with face-off duties.
Being able to employ two lines with smart, skilled centres, would be a tremendous asset for Marty St. Louis’ offence. And Dach, in my eyes, has still not hit his stride, he showed glimpses, but with 82 games ahead in 2023, should he stay healthy, I believe he will improve on his point production. Offensive isn’t the only thing that matters, being responsible defensively for your line is equally as important also, and should Dach continue rounding out his game, the Canadiens will be in pretty good shape.
The passion and desire to get better is burning bright within Dach. His pride came out after scoring the shootout winner to sink his former team, the Chicago Blackhawks, by way of a celebration, suggesting he can’t hear the crowd. Dach needed a fresh start and has found himself in a better situation. His celebration evidenced how well he likes his new team. It was like a homage to the Habs for trading for him, and to the Blackhawks for their mistake of letting go of him.
That same passion and desire to win, and improve his game is the same driver that will elevate his offensive output. Dach has all the tools to be an excellent playmaker who can beat goalies clean or dangle them out of their jock-strap. I would bet he scores 20 goals and 35 assists in 2023 while anchoring the second line.
Dach is ready for the role, are the Canadiens ready to give him it? That question shall be answered come October.
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