Stan Bowman and the Blackhawks front office made a surprising decision with the 3rd pick.
Well, there it is Blackhawks fans. The long wait is finally over. The newest member of the Chicago Blackhawks is center Kirby Dach!
Kirby Dach is the sixth player in Blackhawks history to be drafted third overall. While Dach wasn’t the favorite (or even the second favorite), he has the potential to become a stud power forward at the NHL level. He’s a big boy for an 18-year-old, at 6-foot-4, 197 pounds. Dach has a lot of skill to his game and is a solid playmaker as well.
Dach’s Offensive Abilities
Last season for the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL, Kirby Dach recorded 73 points (25G, 48A) in 62 games. He also recorded five goals and three assists in 10 WHL playoff games. While Dach has been dubbed as a pass-first player in the past, he responded with a career-high in goals last year. He’s been compared to current NHL player Ryan Getzlaf due to his size and offensive tendencies.
Dach is extremely elusive for a big man, and he frequently uses his large frame to shield the puck away from opponents. He loves to lower his shoulder and drive the puck to the net. Dach isn’t afraid to go to the dirty areas to score goals. He uses his size to his advantage. If Kirby Dach can keep up with the speed of the NHL, he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with for the Chicago Blackhawks.
Final Thoughts
Blackhawks fans, it’s time to celebrate!
Some fans may be upset with the decision, but this is not the time to pout. This is a HUGE opportunity for the Blackhawks to get back on track. Kirby Dach has a serious chance to become a franchise-altering player. Just because he wasn’t the favorite doesn’t mean it’s a bad pick. Stan Bowman and the front office wouldn’t have selected Dach if they weren’t confident in his abilities.
Don’t waste this special time being upset because the Blackhawks didn’t draft Bowen Byram OR Alex Turcotte. Hell, the Blackhawks just came away with a 6-foot-4, 200-pound 18-year-old. That type of player doesn’t come around too often. The Blackhawks do need to add size to their top-six forwards, and Dach is a perfect fit.
Hopefully, Kirby Dach will have as much success as the last guy the Blackhawks took 3rd overall.
For more Blackhawks news and updates, follow the author (@JackBushman2) on Twitter. Make sure to check out the author’s podcast, Talkin’ Hawkey, which can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Twitter (@TalkHawkey).
