Major Realization About Kirby Dach With The Canadiens

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Ryan Hall
September 16, 2023 (3:21)

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The anticipation surrounding Nick Suzuki's arrival in Montreal reached astronomical heights when Canadiens fans got wind of the trade that took place on September 10, 2018.

In this trade, Max Pacioretty was sent to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Tomas Tatar, Nick Suzuki, and a 2019 second-round pick. Fans were ecstatic about this deal, given Max's declining popularity and the infectious support for Suzuki.

Suzuki's tenure with the Canadiens commenced in 2019 and has now spanned four seasons, with each season showcasing growth in his goal-scoring and overall point production.

Former general manager Marc Bergevin took notice of his progress and rewarded him with an 8-year contract extension worth $63 million. Suzuki carries a cap hit of $7.875 million per season and is currently in the second year of his new deal.

Despite these impressive numbers, especially when combined with the loss of Cole Caufield last year due to injury in January, it's expected that Suzuki will have a better season. However, there appears to be a shift in thinking regarding another Habs player who could potentially eclipse Suzuki as the number one center.

During The Sick Podcasts hosted by Tony Marinaro, David Ettedgui, an insider at BPM Sports, believes that Kirby Dach, the former Blackhawks star, maybe the Canadiens' top center.

He is the whole package. You need to have a big guy at the center of your first unit. You win the Stanley Cup with big center players. You need one to win the Cup. I'm not saying Dach is going to score more points in a season than Suzuki, but he is your big guy who is going to put up 60 to 75 points per season, play the tough minutes, be a presence, and complement two very talented wingers.

Ettedgui further predicts,

He is 21 years old. In two years, we will see the real Kirby Dach. I believe he will then be their first center player.

It remains to be seen whether this prediction will come to fruition, and I believe that Suzuki currently holds the number one center position. Ultimately, the decision will rest with head coach Marty St. Louis, who will determine the best fit for the top role.