Bob Hartley Blasts Kirby Dach and Calls for His Role on the Canadiens to Be Changed
Bob Hartley was not gentle with Kirby Dach during a recent segment on BPM Sports. He outright stated that Dach does not have what it takes to be a center.
According to him, Dach lacks defensive commitment and struggles to make his wingers produce.
Honestly, when you look at his stats this season, it's hard to disagree.
His plus-minus is one of the worst in the entire league. (-27)
Defensively, he has significant difficulties, and offensively, he is going through a really rough stretch.
Bob Hartley confirms that Kirby Dach is not the future second-line center for the Montreal Canadiens, and Kent Hughes will have to make a move again
Additionally, his entire line is struggling in general.
Since the beginning of the season, this second line has lacked consistency and is often a liability in the defensive zone.
Another issue is at the faceoff circle.
He wins only 39.3% of his draws, which is too low for a top-tier center.
The question we need to ask is: should Dach be moved to the wing?
Maybe by removing some of his defensive responsibilities, he could better focus on his offensive game?
But who would take his place at center? Christian Dvorak? Not sure. Jake Evans? He's good, but not in a top-six role.
Will Kent Hughes make a move to acquire a true second-line center, or will he wait for Michael Hage to take that spot? In the meantime, the Habs don't really have a solution.. and if Dach continues to slow the team down, it will become a problem.
That clearly explains the persistent rumors involving young center Dylan Cozens.
