The Chicago Blackhawks are open to just about anything this offseason. Having already traded Brandon Hagel, they are now expected to move Alex DeBrincat at some point and are also listening to offers for Kirby Dach, according to Scott Powers of The Athletic. It would appear as though no player is safe, regardless of age or draft pedigree.
Dach, 21, was the third-overall pick just three years ago, selected behind Kaapo Kakko and ahead of Bowen Byram. The young center has gone through several injuries, leading to just 59 points in his first 152 games. This season was especially disappointing for Dach, who scored just nine goals and saw his ice time drop significantly by the end of the year.
Powers suggests that the Blackhawks are looking for a top-15 pick in any deal, as they continue to tear down the organization in one of the most dramatic rebuilds the league has seen in a while. Hagel (23), DeBrincat (24), and Dach would normally be considered the pieces to build around but general manager Kyle Davidson obviously has a different opinion, at least if he can get enough value back in trade.
There is certainly reason to be down on Dach, but for some teams, he might appear to be the perfect buy-low candidate. There is still real upside to his game, and as a restricted free agent without any arbitration rights, this summer is at the mercy of whatever team holds his rights. There is little leverage that Dach could use to land an expensive deal, meaning there is at least the opportunity–slim as it may be–for a huge amount of excess value as soon as next season.
For contending clubs and ones a little further along in their rebuild, that might be a very appealing prospect.
It shouldn’t take much, So far he’s a 1st round bust.
I would trade anything from pick 7 and up for him. This years draft class is fairly weak and you’re talking a 3rd OA in a better year.
Could see the Canucks trading their 1st + someone for him to replace Miller who will inevitably leave.
Fits the age range well too
Dach has very little value.
From the 30+ games I watched last season, Dach wass soft and lacked finish in front, and around the net. When he is pressured in the offensive zone he makes bad plays. I recall screaming at my TV countless times last season. If his brother is anything like Kirby, package em’ togther
My take on him last year isn’t quite as dramatic as yours, but that’s what I saw too. The thing I can’t get over is what a beast he was two years earlier in that covid play-in round against the Oilers. He was physical defensively and Edmonton could not knock him off the puck. I don’t know if it’s the broken wrist from world juniors or what, but he’s never been close to the same.
Maybe he is still working his way back to 100%, i have never mangled my hand like that, so it’s entirely possible he still needs time. As a ArmChairGM, he was frustrating to watch.
So Chicago is tearing down the teardown? Remember when they were perennial contenders instead of this weird lost-in-the-wilderness period?
How about Dach for Kaako 3rd overall for 2nd overall in the same draft. Just like Laine for DuBois
As a Rangers fan, no. Kakko needs ice time, otherwise his puck handling is great and his defensive play has been outstanding. The scoring will come, just like many others. He’s barely of age to legally drink.
Dach still has lot of potential. He is on a absolute dumpster fire of a team in the Hawks. The Kraken will have more points then the Hawks next year it will be bad.
not sure Chicago understands it’s rebuild.
Sense around the league is that Kyle Davidson is holding firm for an offer that blows him away–it will take at least one 5th round pick to pry Dach from KD’s firm grip.
With 3 seconds and Dach to deal, Maybe Davidson can get back into the high first round. 3 seconds and 3 thirds.