Is Kirby Dach the Perfect Fit For The Top Line?
For the past two games, forward Kirby Dach has been replacing an injured Alexandre Texier on the Montreal Canadiens’ top line and has shown that he may be the better fit between him and the player from France. While Texier brings a fast-paced game to the line, he lacks the size that allows Dach to both create room and drive to the net with power, which gives the line much of the same type of qualities as they had when Juraj Slafkovsky was on the top line. With that being said, Dach should be a permanent fixture alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.
Kirby Dach capitalizes on a nice pass by Suzuki to sneak one through.
Habs up 3-2. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/zIppg5BrH2
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) February 3, 2026
It took a few games for Dach to get his feet wet and to find his game again after fracturing his foot back in November and missing 34 games; over the last few games, he has shown that he’s ready to handle more responsibility alongside Suzuki and Caufield. When he originally came back to the Habs lineup on January 20th, it was obvious that he was still not ready to take on a top 6 role after missing 2 months of action, but after playing a few games on the team’s 4th line, he was able to get the reps he needed in a less pressured situation to be able to gain the speed and skill he needs to be a fit on the Canadiens’ top line.
For the first time this season, Dach is on a 3-game point streak where he has scored 2 goals and 4 points in that span. His overall play seems to be improving every passing game, which is why he is earning this 2nd audition on the Habs’ top line, as he can now be the player that the team was hoping he would be when they gave him the first opportunity on January 20th. Now that he’s on his game, the Habs can see if the magic will continue, as while Texier is a great player, he isn’t a permanent fit for a top line and is more of a glue guy that can fit well on a skilled line temporarily.
Kirby Dach is relentless on the forecheck and it’s paying off for the Canadiens! His energy is driving the Habs’ success. How important has Dach been to the team this season? 🔥 #GoHabsGo #KirbyDach pic.twitter.com/YUCQx0yvfF
— Locked On Laine (@LO_Canadiens) February 3, 2026
Suzuki and Caufield have proven with Slafkovsky that the type of player that allows one to be the most dominant is a big, fast power forward type who can do the dirty work. While he’s had his injury struggles since coming to the Habs, Dach has what it takes to be a power forward who can win puck battles, throw hits, be a presence in front of the net, and just all around create room for his linemates.
This is likely why when he was at his healthiest with the Habs during 2022-23, he proved to be a good fit with them. However, at the time, the Canadiens also needed Dach to be a 2nd-line centre because of a lack of depth at the time. Over time it became obvious that Dach is better as a winger, as due to the injuries, he was never able to get the development time that he needed to be an everyday NHL centre. For one, he’s one of the worst faceoff guys over the past few years, and playing on the wing is also easier for his defensive deficiencies that were present when he was playing at centre last season.
Kirby Dach has finally found his stride again! He’s playing great with Caufield and Suzuki. Let’s hope he can remain healthy and be a factor for the remainder of the season for the #Habs #GoHabsGo
— Habs Nation (@Habzter) February 3, 2026
Playing with Suzuki and Caufield also allows Dach to play the best way that he can, which is as a big power forward who can be physical and do the dirty work for them. The only thing is that they will need him to stay healthy for it to work out.
The next few games after the Olympic break could be crucial to see if the chemistry between him, Caufield, and Suzuki continues the way it has over the past couple of games.
Do you agree that Dach is a good fit as a linemate for Suzuki and Caufield?
