The Montreal Canadiens have made a bold move by extending center Jake Evans, highlighting their commitment to both present competitiveness and future potential. With the team just a point shy of a playoff spot, General Manager Kent Hughes chose to retain Evans, a crucial depth player, amidst ongoing trade interest. This decision comes on the heels of the injury to Kirby Dach, complicating the center depth for the Canadiens. Hughes, along with Jeff Gorton, communicated their intent to keep the team competitive this season, rejecting the temptation to trade a player pivotal in their recent five-game winning streak.

Evans, who signed a four-year, $11.4 million contract, may not be a top-six forward, but his role as a reliable depth player is critical for any playoff-bound team. Retaining him sends a strong message to the younger players about the direction of the franchise, ensuring they can learn and grow in a competitive environment. The Canadiens are betting on their young core while aiming to remain in the playoff race, believing that depth players like Evans can make a significant impact in the postseason.

Kirby Dach of the Montreal Canadiens faces a challenging road ahead after undergoing knee surgery on his right knee, the same one that troubled him last year. With the Canadiens stating no timetable for his return, Dach will need to focus on rehabilitation before he can begin his usual summer conditioning. At 24, he has yet to hit the 40-point mark in his career, which raises questions about his future as an offensive asset for the team.

As Dach is set to become a restricted free agent in 2026-27, this recovery period is crucial for both his career and for the Canadiens' evaluation of him. The team is looking to build a competitive roster, and Dach needs to prove he can be a reliable contributor. The additional recovery time may work in his favor, allowing for a stronger performance next season, which is pivotal for his future with the franchise and any potential long-term contracts.

Kirby Dach's season has ended prematurely due to a successful knee surgery, announced by the Montreal Canadiens. The 24-year-old forward was sidelined since February 22, after sustaining an injury during a game against the Ottawa Senators. This is the second consecutive season he has faced such adversity, having previously torn his ACL and MCL in the same knee early in the 2023-24 season.

Dach, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 221 pounds, had managed to accumulate 22 points from 10 goals and 12 assists over 57 games this year. Despite his absence, the Canadiens remain in contention for a playoff spot, sitting just five points behind the eighth position in the Eastern Conference with 23 games remaining in the regular season.

Kirby Dach of the Montreal Canadiens will miss the remainder of the season due to right knee surgery, marking a significant setback for the 24-year-old forward. In 57 games this season, Dach managed to score 10 goals and 12 assists for a total of 22 points. This marks the second consecutive season that Dach has faced a season-ending knee injury, following a torn ACL and MCL sustained earlier this season.

Drafted third overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2019, Dach has accumulated 121 points (43 goals, 78 assists) across 269 career games played. His absence is expected to impact the Canadiens as they strategize for the remainder of their season and prepare for the next, where he is anticipated to be ready for training camp.

Kirby Dach's injury woes continue to haunt his NHL career, as the Montreal Canadiens announced he will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season following knee surgery. Since being traded from the Chicago Blackhawks, Dach has played in only 58 games during his first full season with the Canadiens and has yet to complete a season with more than 70 games played. His struggles have led to a significant drop in performance metrics, including points and ice time.

The Blackhawks capitalized on this situation by trading Dach when they did, as they now benefit from the picks acquired in exchange for the former third overall selection. With the Canadiens investing heavily in Dach's potential at such a young age, his repeated injuries raise concerns about both his future and the long-term viability of the trade.