'Wasn't it supposed to be 6 to 8 weeks?': Kent Hughes seems confused about Kirby Dach's injury timeline
Photo credit: Screenshot/YouTube
We witnessed a rather exceptional moment during today's press conference by Kent Hughes regarding forward Kirby Dach.
The Kirby Dach situation has indeed taken a strange turn in Montreal.
On November 16, it was announced that Dach would be out for four to six weeks due to a foot fracture. It is now Tuesday, January 6, and he still has not been cleared to return to play.
What is drawing attention is that he has not been seen practicing with the team since, and the uncertainty is starting to weigh heavily. When an absence drags on this long, fans want clear answers, especially when it involves a player expected to play a major role in the lineup.
Kent Hughes Misspeaks While Discussing Kirby Dach's Return
During his midseason press conference, the general manager explained that the organization wants to take its time with Dach. The idea is clear: the Canadiens do not want to rush him back, especially given his history of injuries.
But one moment raised eyebrows. When a journalist brought up the delay in his return, Hughes let slip:
"Wasn't it supposed to be 6 to 8 weeks?"
Let's just say that if even the GM is searching for his bearings, it does little to calm concerns surrounding the situation. He himself did not seem to be aware of the officially announced timeline from the team.
There is also the leg factor, since the foot injury is reportedly on the same side as a previous knee injury. That explains why the Canadiens are preaching caution, and why it feels like the original timetable is no longer holding up.
"Kent Hughes says the Canadiens are being very careful with Kirby Dach's return because his fracture was on the same leg where he suffered the most recent knee injury. They want him at 100% before he comes back."
- Eric Engels
- Eric Engels
What comes next is mainly a matter of communication and patience. Dach does not appear close to an immediate return, and Martin St-Louis will have to find him a spot when he is ready.
With players currently doing the job, and the possible return of Josh Anderson, things could get crowded when Dach becomes an option again.
A situation to keep an eye on, in any case!
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JANVIER 6 | 1373 ANSWERS 'Wasn't it supposed to be 6 to 8 weeks?': Kent Hughes seems confused about Kirby Dach's injury timeline Do you believe Kirby Dach is still in the Canadiens' plans over the medium and long term? | ||
| Yes | 715 | 52.1 % |
| No | 658 | 47.9 % |
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