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Montreal Canadiens: Top Five Players Under 25

By Tyler Major-Mcnicol

Apr 2, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield (22) reacts after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield (22) reacts after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 12, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Kirby Dach. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Kirby Dach. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports /

Kirby Dach

Kirby Dach looks to be the late bloomer whose former team gave up on him a little bit too early, and that could come back to bite the. The 6-foot-4 skilled centre was selected third overall in the 2019 Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks, a draft that was loaded with talent at the top end. His junior numbers didn’t leap off of the stats sheet, but, to be noted a good portion of bigger-bodied prospects take a little longer to hit their stride.

The Canadiens and Hawks both gambled in the Dach trade and in a good trade, both teams come out as winners. Certainly, it has looked as though the Canadiens are enjoying what Dach has brought thus far, and the Hawks are still awaiting the NHL arrival of the prospects they selected with the draft picks they received, Frank Nazar and Gavin Hayes.

Dach’s acquisition paid dividends immediately, as he gave a glimpse of what he could provide the Canadiens down the middle. While he dealt with injury trouble, he was able to post the best point totals of his young career, 38 in 12 fewer games than his previous season when he scored 26. And the 22-year-old’s confidence just oozed from him, as the leniency that St. Louis gave him allowed him to play his best game.

The highly anticipated first meeting of the season against the Blackhawks surely delivered. Dach buried a sweet shootout tally, before mocking the crowd with a hand to his celebration. A true display of raw emotion, Dach was able to show his former team what they let slip away.

After a healthy offseason, his first in Montreal, Dach will go into training camp with a full offseason to recover under his belt. The Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta., native will look to best his 38 points, and should he stay healthy and play a consistent role in the top six, I wouldn’t bet against him. The options for linemates are quite intriguing, and Dach might just elevate his game to another level, cementing a strong one-two punch for the Canadiens at center, something they have long pursued.

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