Dach, Dach... Goose?

Kirby Dach was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks at a premium cost, trading away young promising defenseman Alexander Romanov (let's cut out the different parts of this trade that also involved the Islanders as it came down mostly to a 1 for 1).

So has Dach lived up to the expectations of a top 3 draft pick thus far in his Habs' tenure? Only a fool would state the affirmative. The hard core truth is it's been one heckuva a roller coaster for Kirby, with glimpses of a player that could come close to living up to his expectations, and lows that made you just want to throw in the towel. And one thing is clear: he seems more fragile (the half glass full folks prefer the term "unlucky") than a porcelain doll. Sure, I'll give you that last injury (shot to the foot) as a stroke of bad luck, but the longer than expected rehab has some wondering if there is more than meets the eye here.

Either way, here we are, months away from having to make the decision on where he fits in future plans. If doubts persist within the Canadiens management team, the easy decision would simply be to let him go at season's end.

We'll never get a top pairing, poised, and physical D like Romanov back. In this league you don't get a do-over (only on Playstation, if you reboot that is). And it's not like his cap hit (or future salary demand) would weigh much in the equation here (sorry, Kirby, beggars can't be choosers son). But the greater question is, with budding forwards knocking at the door (Hage, Zharkovsky, potentially Xhekaj and Beck), do we want to leave a roster spot for such an enigmatic player?

If I were the Habs, I would give him a shot on the wing, with Cole and Suzy (they did seem to have some chemistry a couple of years back), see what he can provide there (especially given no one - other than Slaf- has seemed to fit like a glove here).

A final audition, if not, Kirby my dear, get ready to pack your bags again.