Photo credit: Screenshot
The action isn’t slowing down at the Montreal Canadiens’ training center, even though the league is technically on its Olympic break.
Another core member of the Tricolore has decided to cut his vacation short and lace up the skates.
Kirby Dach made an appearance on the ice in Brossard, joining the Habs’ new sensation.
Patrick Guillet, who has been closely monitoring activities, shared footage of the big centerman hard at work.
“Ivan Demidov is no longer alone,” he noted, pointing out that the young prodigy now has quality company for his drills.
Seeing Dach on the ice in mid-February during a break is a very positive sign for the organization.
Let’s be honest, No. 77 has had his share of health issues in the past, and every extra hour on the ice is beneficial.
Watching him double down to stay in shape shows total commitment to his personal progression.
Is Kirby Dach becoming a silent leader?
It’s not insignificant to see an established player join a rookie like Demidov to train while others are resting.
Let’s be honest, a Kirby Dach breakout could change everything for Martin St-Louis’ group.
On top of that, if Dach takes Demidov under his wing right now, it accelerates the youngster’s adaptation and gives the former Blackhawk added responsibility.
Martin St-Louis must be watching this with a slight grin, because it’s exactly what he wants to see.
It’s easy to talk about winning culture in the media, but it’s built on the ice, when no one is watching (or almost no one).
Dach and Demidov didn’t have to be there. They could easily be relaxing on a beach down South like many other NHL players during the break.
Instead, they’re sweating it out in Brossard to be 100% ready when the season resumes.
That’s the kind of mindset that takes a team out of a rebuild and turns it into a contender.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Canadiens forward cuts vacation short to join Ivan Demidov on ice in Brossard
Do you still believe that Kirby Dach can become a 65–70 point NHL player?