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The Chicago Blackhawks are fresh off being blown out by the St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field in the Winter Classic.
That was a tough loss for a franchise looking to take a step forward but can’t find a way. It will take a long time but they just need to keep working.
Part of that process is developing young talent. Their farm system is loaded but they still need to turn some of these guys into high-end NHL contributors.
One of the guys they have high hopes for is Colton Dach who they selected in the second round (62nd overall) in the 2021 NHL Draft.
On Thursday, the Blackhawks announced that they would be calling up Dach from the Rockford IceHogs where he has been enjoying an outstanding season so far.
In 30 games played with the IceHogs, Dach has 12 goals and 13 assists for 25 points. For being just 21 years old, this is great production in the AHL. It has earned him a chance at his first NHL call-up.
In addition to the offense that Dach brings, he has an edge to his game that suggests he could be a power forward at the highest level. His speed, tenacity, and desire for contact on the ice allow him to play this way.
Think of the way that Blackhawks veteran Patrick Maroon played when he was a member of the Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues, and Tampa Bay Lightning. He was a physical guy who brought a ton of offense to the table.
The Blackhawks would love to see Maroon take Dach under his wing and show him the way. Maroon isn’t as productive anymore but he knows what it takes to be successful as a middle-six NHL power forward.
Dach’s NHL debut is going to come on Friday night when they take on Colton’s older brother Kirby Dach who is a member of the Montreal Canadiens.
The Blackhawks drafted Kirby Dach third overall in the 2019 NHL Draft but have since traded him to the Habs where he has turned into an everyday player when healthy.
Colton Dach making his NHL debut against his big brother has to be a dream come true. He earned this opportunity and the Blackhawks need these good vibes as badly as any team in the league.
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