Dach, Dach... Goose?

# Kirby Dach: The Roller Coaster Ride of Expectations in Montreal

## A Premium Price for Potential

Kirby Dach was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks at a premium cost. We traded away young, promising defenseman Alexander Romanov. (Let’s cut out the different parts of this trade that also involved the Islanders; it really came down to a 1-for-1.)

So, has Dach lived up to the expectations of a top-three draft pick thus far in his Habs tenure? Only a fool would say yes. The hard truth is that it’s been one heckuva roller coaster for Kirby. We've seen glimpses of a player who could come close to meeting those lofty expectations. But then there are the lows that make you want to throw in the towel. And let’s be honest: 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—a shot to the foot—as a stroke of bad luck. But the prolonged rehab has some wondering if there's more than meets the eye here.

The Future of Dach in Montreal

Either way, here we are, months away from having to make a decision on where he fits into the future plans. If doubts persist within the Canadiens management team, the easy choice 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, but beggars can’t be choosers, son.

The Competition is Fierce

But the greater question is, with budding forwards knocking at the door—Hage, Zharkovsky, potentially Xhekaj and Beck—do we really want to leave a roster spot for such an enigmatic player?

If I were the Habs, I’d give him a shot on the wing, with Cole and Suzy. They did seem to have some chemistry a couple of years back. Let’s see what he can provide there, especially since no one—other than Slaf—has fit like a glove here.

A Final Audition

This could be his final audition. If not, Kirby, my dear, get ready to pack your bags again.