The morning sun sliced through the frosty glass at the Canadiens’ practice facility in Brossard, painting streaks of gold across the silent ice. For weeks, the rink had felt like a place of quiet frustration—empty, expectant, haunted by the disappointing news of injuries and setbacks that had plagued Montreal’s lineup. But today, everything changed. The echo of skates cut through the stillness, and suddenly the impossible seemed possible again.

There he was—Kirby Dach, towering at 6-foot-4, gliding across the ice with a determination that was almost defiant. For a team battered by bad luck, Dach’s presence felt like a revelation, a jolt of hope injected straight into the veins of the Canadiens faithful. Just weeks ago, his future was clouded by yet another injury, the kind that had threatened to derail not only his season but the very momentum Montreal had been building. But this morning, for fifteen unforgettable minutes, Dach reclaimed his place on the ice, and with it, the promise that the Canadiens’ fortunes could be turning.

The news rippled out from Brossard like a shockwave. Renaud Lavoie’s report—“Kirby Dach skated 15 minutes this morning”—was more than a simple update; it was a lifeline for fans desperate for something to cheer. After all, Dach’s career has been a story of resilience in the face of adversity. Drafted third overall by the Chicago Blackhawks, he arrived in Montreal as both a physical force and a question mark, his talent undeniable, his durability uncertain. This season alone, he’d already tallied 7 points in just 15 games, showing flashes of brilliance before fate intervened once more.

The timing of Dach’s return couldn’t be more dramatic. With the Canadiens’ roster riddled by injuries—Jayden Struble day-to-day, Kaiden Guhle and Patrik Laine sidelined for weeks, Alex Newhook out until March—the team has been forced to adapt, improvise, and dig deep for every ounce of competitive spirit. The list of projected return dates, circulated by Marc-Olivier Beaudoin, has become a source of daily speculation and hope. But it’s Dach’s name that stands out, his December 28th target now tantalizingly close, especially after this morning’s surprise skate.

What does Dach’s return mean for the Canadiens? Is this the turning point that will reignite their playoff ambitions, or just another chapter in a saga of highs and lows? Fans and analysts alike are left guessing, their imaginations running wild with possibilities. Will Dach’s imposing frame and scoring touch give Montreal the edge they’ve been missing, or will caution prevail as the team weighs the risk of rushing him back too soon?

One thing is clear: the narrative of the Canadiens’ season has shifted. The image of Kirby Dach, back on the ice in Brossard, is more than just a photo—it’s a symbol of resilience, hope, and the relentless pursuit of victory. As the team awaits official confirmation of his return, the city holds its breath, daring to believe that brighter days may finally be ahead.

Read on to discover the full story behind Kirby Dach’s comeback, the latest updates on Montreal’s injury crisis, and what this moment could mean for the future of the Canadiens.

Photo of Kirby Dach in Brossard

Photo credit: Journal de Montreal

For the past few weeks, the Montreal Canadiens have received several pieces of bad news regarding players who suffered injuries, but one forward is back at practice.

On November 16, the Montreal Canadiens announced that Kirby Dach would miss several weeks of action due to a foot injury.

We could even wonder whether it would drag on, since Dach has sustained multiple injuries in his career. However, the team received some hopeful news a bit earlier today.

Kirby Dach is back on the ice in Brossard

Good news for the Montreal Canadiens forward.

“Kirby Dach skated 15 minutes this morning.” – Renaud Lavoie

Kirby Dach, 24, is an imposing forward at 6 ft 4 in and 221 lbs who has struggled to stay healthy since being selected 3rd overall by the Chicago Blackhawks. This season, he had collected 7 points in 15 games, including 5 goals, after totaling 22 points in 57 games last year.

Additionally, Marc-Olivier Beaudoin has given us a list of dates for the return of several Canadiens players.

“Approximate dates for Montreal players returning from injuries:

Jayden Struble: Day-to-day
Kirby Dach: December 28, 2025 (skated this morning)
Kaiden Guhle: January 23, 2026
Patrik Laine: February 28, 2026
Alex Newhook: March 17, 2026

Maximum dates according to the announcements.” – Beaudoin

Finally, we will wait for confirmation from the team regarding his return to play, but this is excellent news for the team to see Dach back in action.