What if Kirby Badger’s revival went through on the first line? That’s one of the possibilities if we trust Martin St-Louis.

Juraj Slafkovsky, who like Mike Matheson did not take part in the morning training due to treatment, was replaced by Dach in the first session.

“We’ve had success together in the past, he’s similar to ‘Slaf’ with his wide range, he’s complete,” Nick Suzuki said of the tall center who struggles to find his rhythm.

Since he only played a game and a half last week, Dach needs time to get settled, which is completely normal. He has only one assist in six games and a differential of -6.

Not alone

However, it’s difficult for everyone in the second unit, as Alex Newhook has only one goal in six games and is -7, while Joel Armia is doing slightly better with two assists and -5 in the same number of games.

It’s not yet known whether Slafkovsky will play in the uniform against the New York Rangers on Tuesday night, but a small change could also benefit the front line, which also includes Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.

With seven points, including six goals, he is the team’s first point scorer, followed by Slafkovsky (six points) and Suzuki in third place (five points), but things are not going well, as the statistics show.

“I wouldn’t say I’m where I want to be,” Suzuki admitted on Monday. The production being what it is, I believe I can play better and the team needs me to do that.

“We defend properly, but we don’t kill plays quickly enough, which means we miss a lot of good chances,” the captain continued.

To be determined

So will Slafkovsky be there on Tuesday? The mystery remains complete. It should be recalled that the Slovakian left training early on Friday due to an apparent shoulder injury.

“I’m not worried at the moment, but I don’t have any real information. “We’ll see if he can play tomorrow morning,” Nick Suzuki said simply.

As for the possibility of moving Dach to the first unit, regardless of whether Slafkovsky is there or not, Martin St-Louis raised doubts.

“We don’t know what will happen tomorrow. I’m not afraid to switch trios to create a spark. Everything is possible.”

Patience and work

St. Louis isn’t surprised Dach will need time to return to action after missing an entire season. Something like that was to be expected.

So what can he do to get the 23-year-old center back on track?

“It’s about reminding the player that he’s missed a lot of time and being realistic with his own expectations. The more it goes, the more roof will find himself, but that’s a lot of wasted time and he knows how good he can be.

“You can’t just wait, I know it’s going to take a while, but it’s up to him to work on finding himself and it will come.”

Kaiden Guhle was also out with an upper body injury. His situation is assessed daily.

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