If the Montreal Canadiens are looking to take a big step in the right direction during the upcoming season, having their number two centre healthy will play a huge role in ensuring the top six provides the offence with a nice punch.
Kirby Dach hasn't played nearly enough games with the Habs to be satisfied and there is every reason to believe that he has a chip on his shoulder heading into 2024-25. It was undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow when he learned the Chicago Blackhawks had given up on him. The frustrations with the Blackhawks and injuries have sidelined him for the most part, but there is so much potential.
I assume that Alex Newhook and Joshua Roy will be the two best choices to play on the second line with Dach. I think that would be an interesting line to watch; especially with Roy just starting to find his way in the NHL towards seasons end. Newhook also looked quite comfortable and he took on the added workload quite well.
What could a healthy Dach mean this season?
The potential isn't just going to dwindle, so there should be pretty high expectations for him to get back to his previous success. His 38 points through 58 games during the 2022-23 season were proof that what he did in Chicago was barely scratching the surface. If he can stay healthy, then the Habs will be better just because of his presence.
How much better is the question and I think if he can find good chemistry with his linemates he has plenty of tools that will have the points come along. Dach plays a smart game and when he finds open ice, it would be best for his linemates to follow him and get wide open. With Newhook's speed and quickness, the give-and-go could become the bread and butter for the second line.
Roy is sort of the unknown because growing pains sometimes come during the first year or two of a player's career. I do believe Roy will be a good player, so I think as the chemistry grows, the points will come. Dach, realistically could hit the 60-point range, and I don't think it's crazy to say that.