Kirby Dach feeling the love from Habs' brass
Although Kirby Dach has missed time, Canadiens fans still hope for the best for him. This is a true testament to the passion and care they have for the players.
The Montreal Canadiens' hopes for Kirby Dach remain high despite his injury woes, and that has bled out to the fans.
Obviously expectations were for Dach to assume the second line centre role and run with, with hopes to elevate the Habs offence. It hasn't worked out that way at all, because of a freak accident in the second game of the 2023-24 season that left him on the shelf. This came after he missed time during his first season with the club.
“Montreal’s a big hockey market. The fans there care about the players & how we’re all doing. I was grocery shopping & ran into a few people who were like ‘we hope you’re healthy & have a good season.’ They’re all very polite & nice too. It’s nice to feel that kind of love from… pic.twitter.com/1cuEH146f0
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) September 20, 2024
So it's no secret that Dach has been frustrated about his time so far with the Habs, a change that he had such high hopes for. But being able to step out around the city and have fans give him well wishes, despite not seeing him play much, is very telling. There is a reputation about the hockey city that Montreal is, and the passion of the fans, but the love and support is truly special.
Chemistry with Patrick Laine
Dach is the type of player that drives the play from the middle of the ice and makes those around him better. Simply playing with Dach has the effect of elevating a player's game, because of his vision and playmaking abilities. One guy who has already reaped the benefits of Dach's skills is the Habs newest addition, Patrick Laine.
It is only preseason inter-squad games, but Dach's great plays have connected with some great rushes for Laine. There was plenty of excitement, which hasn't dissipated since the Canadiens acquired Laine. With the preseason on the horizon, it will be a good chance to see how Laine measures up, but early indications are promising.
Dach will have a 40-plus goal potential scorer at his disposal and if he can stay healthy, his point potential was already quite high. If the chemistry translates to the regular season, I don't see how both players won't reach high point totals. Dach is the perfect play facilitator and passer, and Laine just needs an inch of space to devastate opposing defences.
With the preseason schedule slated to begin on September 23, there will be plenty of attention on Laine, but Dach will also be watched closely. Their success won't rely on one another, but if both play to their abilities, I expect good things will happen. Both players have something to prove and when they get that opportunity, I foresee good things happening.
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