Kirby Dach sends strong return signal ahead of Senators Game as lineup changes loom

We could see some major returns to the lineup tonight against the Ottawa Senators!

Friday in Ottawa, Kirby Dach sent the signal Montreal had been waiting for.

He was on the ice at practice wearing a regular jersey.

That doesn't confirm a return to play on Saturday, but it's rarely a coincidence.

The Canadiens don't allow contact "just for fun" for a player who isn't ready.

On top of that, it comes at the perfect time in a week where everything is moving.

Jacob Fowler and Owen Beck were sent down to the Laval Rocket, and we're talking about returns to play that are getting closer.

When the organization frees up roster spots and injured players are skating, you can feel the lineup is about to change quickly.

That's the announcement we'll be watching for today.

Before his injury, Dach had played 15 games, with 5 goals and 2 assists, for a total of 7 points.

In his NHL career, he has 284 games played and 128 points.

And it's not as if Montreal doesn't know what he can bring.

In 2022-2023, his first real season with the Canadiens, he recorded 38 points in 58 games.

When you've already produced at that level here, you automatically become a piece the team wants back in the mix.

Another detail is that Dach wasn't alone at practice wearing a regular jersey.

Jake Evans and Patrik Laine were also on the ice, which opens the door to a wave of decisions.

The more players return, the more the Canadiens have to decide who stays in the lineup and who comes out.

So, a return on Saturday? Possible.

But until Martin St-Louis speaks at his press conference, caution is still warranted.

A practice in a regular jersey is a major step.

The official green light is another matter altogether.

Otherwise, the other important last-minute announcement from the Montreal Canadiens involves forwards Josh Anderson and Alexandre Texier, who both missed practice.

So we'll have several important situations to monitor today, especially during the morning skate live from Ottawa!

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