Canadiens' latest update on Kirby Dach isn't the one Habs fans had hoped for

No Kirby Dach on the plane to Tampa Bay, and that's raising concerns.

The Canadiens are resuming activities in Florida, including a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight, and the focus was on who made the trip, because the club is already dealing with several sensitive situations.

And now, according to Eric Engels, Dach is not with the team, as he continues to recover from a foot injury.

It's the "officially behind schedule" part that stands out. On November 16, the timeline was an absence of four to six weeks. That pointed to a possible return between December 14 and December 28. However, if Dach stayed in Montreal, it's hard to believe he's ready to return immediately.

Before Christmas, there was still cautious optimism. We had seen progress, and the idea of a return around the holiday break was circulating. Kent Hughes had downplayed expectations, but the trajectory appeared positive.

Now, the fact that he isn't even around the team raises a red flag.

The good news is Alexandre Texier. Despite his injury, he is with the Canadiens in Tampa Bay, which keeps an important piece in the lineup.

At the same time, Samuel Montembeault is also with the group, and no one has been sent back to the Laval Rocket for now, which confirms that the Canadiens are keeping their options open.

The timing doesn't help Dach either. The Canadiens won't play in Montreal again until January 7. If Dach doesn't join the team on the road, which is likely the case, it could be a long wait before we see him back in the mix. And when you add Jake Evans' four-to-six-week absence, center depth becomes a real issue.

That's where Phillip Danault is really useful. He's not a magic solution, but he's a solid center to have in the lineup, especially when a situation like Dach's drags on.

The next real clue will come when we see Dach skating again, and especially when he starts traveling with the team.