Montreal Canadiens Place Kaiden Guhle and Kirby Dach on Long-Term Injured Reserve

The Montreal Canadiens have placed defenseman Kaiden Guhle and forward Kirby Dach on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) as part of a strategic maneuver to manage their salary cap. This decision, announced on December 20, 2025, allows the Canadiens to exceed the salary cap by the combined cap hits of Guhle and Dach, facilitating the recent acquisition of center Phillip Danault from the Los Angeles Kings.

Canadiens place multiple players on LTIR to absorb Phillip Danault's contractHughes places two players on LTIR to make room for Danault's contractCanadiens Place Kaiden Guhle And Kirby Dach On LTIR Due To InjuriesCanadiens place Kaiden Guhle, Kirby Dach on LTIR

Kaiden Guhle has been sidelined since mid-October due to a lower-body injury that required surgery for a partially torn adductor muscle. His recovery timeline is estimated at 8 to 10 weeks, which may delay his return until mid-January. In the current season, Guhle has played only five games, recording one goal and one assist while averaging over 19 minutes of ice time.

Canadiens Place Kaiden Guhle And Kirby Dach On LTIR Due To Injuries

Kirby Dach, who has been out since mid-November with a fractured foot, has also been placed on LTIR. Dach has participated in 15 games this season, scoring five goals and providing two assists. His return is anticipated shortly after the holiday break, with reports suggesting he may resume skating.

Canadiens Place Kaiden Guhle And Kirby Dach On LTIR Due To Injuries

The placement of Guhle and Dach on LTIR provides the Canadiens with approximately $2.5 million in cap relief, essential for accommodating Danault's contract, which is valued at $5.5 million annually. This strategic move allows the Canadiens to maintain roster flexibility while addressing ongoing injury challenges. General Manager Kent Hughes emphasized the importance of this approach, stating that it keeps options open for future roster adjustments when Guhle and Dach are ready to return.

Canadiens place multiple players on LTIR to absorb Phillip Danault's contract

Following the announcement, Kent Hughes confirmed the rationale behind the LTIR placements, stating, "The plan was clear from the start. Acquiring Danault for a pick, without unbalancing the salary cap, was part of the original scenario." This highlights the Canadiens' focus on balancing immediate needs with long-term roster planning.

Canadiens place multiple players on LTIR to absorb Phillip Danault's contract

While the LTIR placements provide immediate financial relief, some analysts express concern regarding the long-term impacts on team depth and roster stability. The necessity of managing injuries and cap space simultaneously may complicate future decisions, particularly if additional players face injuries.

Canadiens Place Kaiden Guhle And Kirby Dach On LTIR Due To Injuries

The Canadiens are set to face the Pittsburgh Penguins in a home-and-home series, with the first game occurring on December 20, 2025. As the team navigates these roster changes, they will closely monitor the recovery timelines of Guhle and Dach, preparing for potential call-ups from their AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket, to fill the gaps left by these injuries.

Canadiens place Kaiden Guhle, Kirby Dach on LTIR

• "Kaiden Guhle and Kirby Dach are now on the LTIR." — Renaud Lavoie, TVA Sports

Hughes places two players on LTIR to make room for Danault's contract

• "The plan was clear from the start. Acquiring Danault for a pick, without unbalancing the salary cap, was part of the original scenario." — Kent Hughes, General Manager, Montreal Canadiens

Canadiens place multiple players on LTIR to absorb Phillip Danault's contract