The Montreal Canadiens have made significant strides this past season, pulling off a playoff appearance against the odds. With a young core led by 25-year-old Nick Suzuki, the team is filled with optimism, especially following standout performances from rookies like Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov. Looking ahead, General Manager Ken Hughes is focused on adding physicality to the roster, particularly seeking a center to fill the 2C position, which has been a gap since Kirby Dach's injury. The Canadiens boast ample cap space and are willing to leverage their draft capital to secure immediate upgrades. This strategic approach has previously netted them valuable players like Patrik Laine and Alex Newhook. As the offseason unfolds, expect the Canadiens to target players in their early to mid-20s to reinforce their promising roster.

The Montreal Canadiens are poised to make significant changes as they seek improvement for next season. The focus will be on bolstering their second line, particularly the crucial 2C position, which has been a topic of discussion for several seasons. The Canadiens’ top line, featuring Juraj Slafkovsky, Cole Caufield, and Nick Suzuki, has shown promise, but the second line's composition remains a challenge.

Kirby Dach's repeated injury woes have left his status uncertain, making the quest for a reliable 2C even more pressing. With only 59 games played over the last two seasons, Dach must prove himself during training camp to secure his role. General Manager Kent Hughes emphasized that the upcoming summer could be pivotal for the franchise's trajectory, with potential moves hinging on the right fit and increased team competitiveness.

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.