Suzuki and Dach return to Canadiens lineup after injury and illness absences
Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki is set to return after missing nearly three weeks due to an upper-body injury sustained while blocking a shot. Forward Kirby Dach also returns following two games missed due to illness, both of whom are expected to bolster the team’s forward depth. The duo’s return comes as the Canadiens remain strong in the Atlantic Division with a 9-3-3 record.
Nick Suzuki and Kirby Dach are set to return to the Montreal Canadiens lineup on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, against the Utah Mammoth, marking a significant boost for the team’s forward depth. Suzuki missed nearly three weeks after sustaining an upper-body injury on Oct. 20 during a game against the San Jose Sharks, when he blocked a shot with his left hand. Though he played through the pain in that contest, he was subsequently sidelined and ruled out for 2–4 weeks—returning at the earlier end of that projection. The 27-year-old captain had already established an iron man streak of 546 consecutive regular-season games since joining the Canadiens in 2019-20, including all 56 playoff games during his tenure. In nine games this season, Suzuki recorded five goals and seven assists for 12 points, ranking third on the team in both assists and overall scoring. Dach, meanwhile, missed two games due to illness, including a recent loss to the Winnipeg Jets, after appearing in all 13 of Montreal’s opening contests. The 25-year-old forward has struggled with durability, playing just 37 games in the previous season and reaching 60 games only twice in his NHL career. His return is expected to stabilize a forward group that has maintained a strong 9-3-3 record, keeping the Canadiens tied for second in the Atlantic Division.
The Canadiens’ management and coaching staff likely view Suzuki’s return as critical not only for his offensive production but also for his leadership and defensive respons
The return of Suzuki and Dach could influence fan engagement and ticket sales in Montreal, as star players returning from injury often drive increased attendance and media interest. Their presence may also impact fantasy hockey leagues, where their points production is highly valued. On a broader scale, the Canadiens’ ability to manage player health—especially for high-usage players like Suzuki—could serve as a case study in long-term roster sustainability. Comparable to the 2018–19 Boston Bruins’ reliance on Patrice Bergeron during his extended absence due to injury, this situation highlights how team performance can be both resilient and fragile depending on key personnel. If the Canadiens maintain their current pace with Suzuki and Dach back, it may signal a shift in Atlantic Division dynamics, potentially affecting playoff seeding and media narratives around team strength. What to watch for next is whether these returns lead to sustained performance or if underlying health issues r