We're talking about forward Kirby Dach.
Honestly, I was probably the most understanding person toward Dach since the beginning of the season because we can't overlook the impact of being out for nearly a year.
The same understanding and patience will also need to be shown toward Patrik Laine.
That said, when it comes to Kirby Dach, I could never blame him for small "rust" mistakes, even though we're already a quarter of the way through the season, because I'm truly willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, knowing how hard it is to come back from such a major injury.
However, a lack of intensity and effort has nothing to do with rust.
And I think this is exactly what's frustrating many fans right now with Dach.
This idea is gaining traction, particularly as a way to send a message to a young forward brimming with talent but who needs to play with more urgency.
As for Juraj Slafkovsky, I'm not there yet, but when it comes to Dach, I wouldn't be against the idea.
It could send him a message, and this technique has worked in the past to wake certain players up.
I'll repeat myself: I would never want to bench a good player because of a few "confidence" mistakes. But in the case of a player who isn't providing an acceptable level of effort, I'm open to the idea.
Dach, only 23 years old, is a 6-foot-4, 221-pound forward who has tallied 8 points in 20 games this season with Montreal.
And you, what would you do if it were your decision?
A first message has already been sent by Martin St-Louis and the Canadiens:
POLL | ||
What would you do if you were in Martin St-Louis' shoes? | ||
I'd send Dach and Slaf to the press box | 563 | 42.7 % |
I'd send only Dach to the press box | 251 | 19 % |
I'd send only Slaf to the press box | 29 | 2.2 % |
None of those answers | 476 | 36.1 % |
List of polls |