The Chicago Blackhawks have called up forward Colton Dach from the Rockford IceHogs.
This call-up has been a long time coming for Dach, 21. Since being drafted 62nd overall in 2021, the Saskatchewan native has developed nicely. Dach posted 27 points in 48 games last year as a rookie in the AHL.
This season he has improved upon his production, contributing 12 goals and 25 points in 30 games, including eight points in his last 10.
It is not surprising that GM Kyle Davidson made this move. The Hawks desperately need a jolt of energy after three straight drubbings, highlighted by a miserable showing in the Winter Classic.
Captain Nick Foligno was particularly upset about the team’s performance as of late and did not mince words after the New Year’s Eve loss.
#Blackhawks Captain Nick Foligno on the “embarrassing” effort tonight pic.twitter.com/KEObAJdwTf
— CHGO Blackhawks (@CHGO_Blackhawks) January 1, 2025
At 6’4” and nearly 200 pounds, Dach plays a power-forward style game and should give the forward group some juice when he gets into the lineup. If Dach can play a hard, physical game and chip in some offense like he has this season in Rockford, he can certainly make an impact in the coming days and weeks.
At practice today Dach was playing on the left wing with Frank Nazar and Teuvo Teravainen. Ideally, he should have some chemistry with Nazar from their time together in Rockford.
With Nazar, Kevin Korchinski, and Dach all either on the active roster or having spent time in the NHL this season, the future is starting to take shape for this Hawks team. Maybe second-overall pick Arytom Levshunov will hear his number called some time in the near future.
Regardless if Dach sticks in the NHL after his call-up or not, he brings some excitement to a depressing roster and will hopefully provide a little hope for the franchise’s future.
