Kirby Dutch's impact on the Montreal Canadiens

When asked why the Montreal Canadiens will be a better team next season, general manager Kent Hughes said it's simple, Kirby Dutch will be back. The 23-year-old player is out for the rest of the season with another injury. However, the Canadian forward will be back and ready to start the team's 2024-25 season. Hughes said he thought Dach was the team's best player in training camp. But how much will the injury affect Dach and how will it affect the Canadiens in 2024-25?

Montreal Canadiens Kirby Dutch 2024-25

Effects of trauma

Kirby Dutch suffered an injury in his first season with the Canadiens that kept him out for 24 games. Dach was plagued by injuries throughout his early career. This continued in 2023-24 as Dach missed the entire season. He suffered a knee injury in Game 2 of the regular season against the Blackhawks. With so many injuries early in his career, this raises questions about Dach's durability. After missing an entire year, the question is whether or not Dach will return to the level we saw this season. The sky is the limit for Kirby Dach, but injuries may limit his potential.

Where will Dutch go to Montreal next season?

Upon his return, expect Dach to slot into the second-row center position behind Nick Suzuki. He will also see minutes on the first power play unit. They may ease up on Dach during training camp, but expect Dach to be stronger and in game shape once the regular season begins.

As for the co-stars, there are many options as to who could be next to Dach. She saw chemistry with Juraj Slafkovsky and Alex Newhook early last year. In contrast, the top line of Suzuki, Slafkowski and Cole Caufield has looked great this year and may be difficult to separate. Alex Newhook also looked impressive in the centre. But if the Canadiens don't get another top-six winger, they could move him to the wing to get the top six minutes. The same goes for young Joshua Roy, who dominated the AHL and didn't see his place in the NHL either. We could see a second line of Roy, Dutch and Newhook to start the year, which is an exciting prospect.

Dutch potential in 2024-25

Kirby Dutch scored a career-high 38 points in just 58 games during the 2022-2023 season. He dominated Canadiens training camp last year and had two points in his first game before getting injured in Game 2. He played most of the season with Suzuki and Caufield in 2022-23. However, the team sees him as a central player of the future.

Regardless of who is next to Dach, he will have strong colleagues and will be given every opportunity to excel. So, Dach's potential is limited only by injuries. If he can stay healthy all year, his potential is endless. As far as points go, a 60+ point season is very realistic for Kirby Dutch. If he has Caufield, Slafkowski or a new addition on the wing, we could see that number go even higher.

Dutch's combination of high-level skill and his large frame could make him a dominant center for the Canadiens. With the Suzuki and Dutch duo in the middle, the team is set for years to come. It's unclear who he'll be playing with, but the duo of Slafkowski and Dach can't be lower. With all that being said, expect a massive breakout season if he stays healthy next season.