As the Montreal Canadiens battle for every inch of ground in a razor-sharp Atlantic Division race, the stakes for their final regular-season games couldn’t be higher. While a recent shutout loss briefly cooled their red-hot momentum, the focus has shifted from the scoreboard to their injury situation.
With the postseason locked in and seeding still up for grabs, the energy at the Bell Center changed during Tuesday’s morning skate. Sportsnet’s Eric Engels caught sight of two vital figures back on the ice, prompting immediate questions about how quickly the Habs’ depth chart is about to transform.
Kirby Dach and Alexandre Texier Updates Give Canadiens Timely Depth Boost
Kirby Dach and Alexandre Texier are back in the conversation for game action, giving Montreal a lift ahead of the postseason push. Both forwards skated in the morning session, Engels reported, signaling progress after recent injuries.
Dach had been sidelined since March 15 after taking a high hit from Anaheim’s Jeffrey Viel. The team later confirmed he would miss 2–4 weeks, and his recovery now falls right within that timeline.
Dach dealt with multiple issues this season, including a fractured foot earlier in the year, limiting him to 32 games and 14 points. Despite those setbacks, his presence adds size and structure down the middle, especially if he slots into a depth role.
Texier, meanwhile, missed the last seven games with a lower-body injury but has now been cleared as an option. His last appearance came on March 24, and while he was listed day-to-day, this update puts him closer to returning against the Florida Panthers. His 20 total points this season, including 19 with Montreal, underline his value as a reliable depth piece.
Montreal suddenly has a selection decision to make. With 14 healthy forwards available, not everyone will dress. That depth gives the coaching staff flexibility, especially with playoff matchups in mind. Dach could center the fourth line, which would allow the team to spread out responsibilities and manage minutes more efficiently.
The timing matters because Montreal has already secured a playoff spot and sits at 100 points with a 45-22-10 record. Still, the race in the Atlantic Division remains tight, with only a small gap separating the top teams. Their upcoming game against Florida becomes important, not just for standings but also for lineup chemistry heading into the postseason.
The Canadiens had their 8-game winning streak snapped on April 5 in a 3–0 loss to the New Jersey Devils, but the overall trend still points upward. Offensive leaders continue to drive results, while younger players have stepped into larger roles.
With Dach and Texier nearing full return, Montreal’s forward group looks closer to full strength. That depth, combined with consistent production, gives them a more balanced lineup as they prepare for the playoffs.
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