The Blackhawks announced Monday morning that they’ve recalled forward Colton Dach from AHL Rockford. He was previously up with Chicago for nearly all of January but was returned to the minors early this month. Dach fills one of two open roster spots for the Hawks, who are now carrying an extra forward for their upcoming three-game road swing.
The 22-year-old Dach played 13 games with Chicago during his previous recall, his first in the NHL. He’s in his second professional season after being drafted in the second round in 2021 out of the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League. Things are boding well for the younger brother of Canadiens forward and ex-Blackhawk Kirby Dach, who’s broken out for 12-14–26 in 33 AHL games to rank third on Rockford in scoring.
Dach hasn’t looked out of place when given NHL reps, either. He scored a goal and added three assists over last month’s recall, recording 19 shots on goal while averaging 11:35 per game. He likely could have had another couple of points – his shooting percentage of 5.3% was quite low. The 6’4″ pivot got involved physically, leading Chicago this season with 16.32 hits per 60 minutes. Interim head coach Anders Sorensen tossed him into the deep end, starting nearly 60% of his even-strength shifts in the defensive zone. That led to understandably poor possession numbers, controlling only 34.7% of shot attempts and 29.6% of expected goals while he was on the ice.
Nonetheless, there were reasons for optimism in Dach’s game. He’ll now get another chance on the roster, although whether he plays Tuesday against Utah is a different question. The Blackhawks are carrying a fully healthy forward group outside of IR-bound Jason Dickinson. While Philipp Kurashev has been a frequent healthy scratch this season and could come out for Dach, he’s played in four straight dating back to before the 4 Nations break and scored in last night’s loss to the Maple Leafs.
Even if he’s sent back to the minors again following Chicago’s road trip, Dach should get an extended look in the NHL following the trade deadline. The Blackhawks are expected to open a roster spot by shipping out recent first-line fixture Ryan Donato and could also ship out pending UFAs Pat Maroon and Craig Smith. Doing so will give the lanky speedster a chance to make Chicago’s opening night roster in 2025-26.
As a lifetime Hawks fan, after watching the 4 Nations tourney, it’s clear the Hawks defense is light years from being dependable. There’s a reason why the Hawks are outshot almost every night. We keep hearing about all these “hot” prospects, but yet the team took a step backwards this season. It’s going to be a long, long road to respectability.
are you surprised the “hot” prospects didn’t help, when almost none of them are in the NHL?
After seeing Macklin Celebrini again last night vs. Calgary, He’s clearly a better player than Connor Bedard.
So what? Celebrini wasn’t available when Bedard was selected.
Not saying he was, Just an observation.
That’s a ridiculous statement on so many levels. 1. if the Hawks had won the Ping Pong Ball game again last year they would have definitely taken Celebrini. 2. They were in 2 different drafts so what. 3. The Hawks will be in the Ping Pong Ball game again so if they win welcome to the Hawks James Hagens. 4. Arty was a great pick because if the Hawks manage to off load Jones Arty can just slide into that spot and take it over. 5. With what the Hawks have coming eventually goals shouldn’t be a problem. It’s just going to take a little patience, And I can’t emphasize this enough, A really good coaching staff. Davidson better nail this next Head Coach hire.
They’re 18 and 19. Yeah by all means let’s make that statement now based on what exactly? They’re first couple of years playing with horrible teams? Let’s get them some players to play with before we make generalizations like that maybe?
Right now today, Celebrini is a better player than Bedard, It’s a fact.
A fact only in YOUR mind. Love to see a poll on that. You’d lose.
Celebrini is faster, Better shot, Outstanding vision, Already a great passer, Also, More responsible play without the puck. Is that enough generalization for everyone?
It’s not a popularity contest, Stop whining, And watch them play.
It has long been obvious that language is not your thing but this just in: having an opinion does not make it fact.
After Reichel got benched for most of the game last night sounds like the Hawks are finally going to cut bait on him which is what I suggested last year. He at least needs a change of scenery if not a total reboot. They probably would have got more for him last year but maybe he can be put in a package with a Maroon, Smith, Murphy, or etc to get a better pick out of it. I highly doubt the Hawks can make the money work in a Jones trade at the deadline , That’s more of an off season idea when teams will have more money. But Murphy is certainly doable even though he has a limited NTC deal. Next year Korchinski, Arty, and Allan need playing time. They’re not going to get better in the press box or Rockford.
If you want to see a poll, That statement says someone else is thinking for you, Watch them both play for 60 minutes.
Well I’ve seen them both play. I’m just not crazy enough to make a statement like that on 2 18 and 19 year olds. It’s dumb on massive levels.