For as much as we’ve talked about the Blackhawks roster battle for a possible final forward spot on the roster, the focus has been on established NHL forwards MacKenzie Entwistle, Reese Johnson and Boris Katchouk. And rightfully so; they’re all players with NHL games on their resume and they understand the speed of the game at the highest level.
Because of his strong play during training camp, a healthy Colton Dach may have entered the chat.
Before Tuesday’s game, Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson was extremely complimentary of Dach’s performance thus far in camp.
“I think he’s been excellent right from Day One, rookie tournament to now,” Richardson said. “He’s been physical, he’s making really responsible decisions with the puck and I like him. He’s chirping at other players off the bench, so he’s not afraid to step up and just be a force out there. He’s got some really good skill to shoot the puck. Hopefully he gets another opportunity to show his stuff. We’ve been impressed with him from Day One here for sure.”
After the game, Richardson doubled-down on his appreciation for Dach. He was a late add to the lineup after Ryan Donato wa🤡s a♒ scratch because of what Richardson described as a minor groin issue, and finished second among Blackhawks forwards with 16:32 on the ice.
“Physical, engaged on the bench, engaged on the ice, plays a hard role with some rugged guys, or go out there and play with skilled guys. [He’s] v𒁃ery versatile and very aware, really listening and any info you that you’ve given him he’s taking it and putting it into his game plan.”
Dach’s versatility has shown in his movement up and down the lineup during preseason games. On Tuesday night against Detroit, he eventually worked his way up to a line with Connor Bedard and Taylor Hall. He initiated contact and showed poise when confronted a couple times by Red Wings players, at one point allowing an opponent to take a penalty without retaliating — something many young forwards might feel obligated to do when competing for a job as a power forward.
While some other young players have had learning moments with the speed of the NHL game during training camp and preseason games, Dach has — for the most part — appeared composed in traffic and patient at the right times. He’s used his big frame to create and take away space. His game is more mature than I think many anticipated coming into his first year as a pro.
Last year was a lost season for Dach in many ways. He suffered a concussion during the prospe༺ct showcase games that limited him during NHL camp, had another concussion setback when he joined his junior club 𝓰after being named the captain of the Kelowna Rockets, and then suffered a shoulder injury while playing for Canada at the World Juniors.
But Dach returned to the ice after being traded to join now Blackhawks teammates Kevin Korchinski and Nolan Allan in Seattle♛ and he performed very well down the stretch and in the postseason for the Thunderbirds. That confidence has carried over into camp this fall.
There’s still a strong chance Dach spends most of the coming season in Rockford. But he has certainly grabbed the attention of the coaches and fans in Chicago that he’s the real deal and ready for the bright lights of the NHL.
