Martin St-Louis Reveals the Hard Truth About Kirby Dach's Struggles This Season
In a press conference earlier, the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, Martin St-Louis, confirmed what we already suspected about Kirby Dach.
This is a first, as MSL has always publicly defended Dach and often sidestepped questions about him, but now he has clearly mentioned it.
Kirby Dach has regressed this season.
It was still striking to hear it so directly from the coach.
Martin St-Louis confirms our observations about Kirby Dach
When questioned by journalists after today's practice, St-Louis said the following about his big center, number 77:
«I know that this year, he has taken a step back (he has regressed), but will it take him further than where he was last year?
We don't know yet, but that's part of his journey right now, and we're helping him get through it.
And it's not just about giving him pats on the back.
We're telling him the truth, it starts with the truth, so we're looking for answers and trying to help him.»
Martin St-Louis
He thus confirms that his player is clearly not performing up to expectations, but he presents this in a very constructive manner, which is perfectly appropriate.
«Do you see signs that he's helping himself too? (talking about Kirby Dach)»
- Journalist
«Yes, a lot! You, you only see what he does here (speaking to journalists), but you know.. He's doing a lot of extra work.»
- Martin St-Louis
In summary, the head coach acknowledges and confirms that Kirby Dach has regressed this season, but he also emphasizes that they are all genuinely trying to help him recover, and he points out that Kirby himself is putting in a lot of extra effort to improve.
Kirby Dach, 23 years old, has 9 points in 30 games this season, after collecting 2 points in a game and a half last season.
He is under contract until 2026, at $3.362 million per year, so his salary remains very reasonable for the Canadiens.
POLL |
DECEMBRE 21 | 2448 ANSWERS Martin St-Louis Reveals the Hard Truth About Kirby Dach's Struggles This Season Do you believe Kirby Dach will return to being the dominant player he was last year before his injury? |
Yes | 1154 | 47.1 % |
No | 1294 | 52.9 % |
List of polls |
|
4 minutes ago | By Elias Adaime Analyst Suggests Trade With Rangers to Bring Back Ex-Habs Forward for Rocket's Playoff Push |
|
1 hour ago | By Elias Adaime Martin St-Louis Shares Honest Thoughts on Kent Hughes' Trade Deadline Decisions |
|
4 hours ago | By Elias Adaime Canadiens Organization at Risk of Losing Pascal Vincent to Another NHL Team |
|
5 hours ago | By Elias Adaime St-Louis and the Canadiens Announce Patrik Laine's Replacement on the Power Play |
|
6 hours ago | By Elias Adaime Kent Hughes Hints at Incoming Reinforcements for the Canadiens: Two Prospects Could Arrive Soon |
|
8 hours ago | By L. Honein Pierre LeBrun Reveals the Top-6 Forward Kent Hughes Tried to Acquire |
|
9 hours ago | By Elias Adaime Intriguing Option to Replace Owen Beck on the Second Line Identified |
|
21 hours ago | By Elias Adaime Habs Captain Nick Suzuki Breaks Silence on Kent Hughes' Trade Deadline Decision |
Previously on HabsFanatics