2019 NHL Draft: Instant Reaction to Blackhawks Drafting Kirby Dach

The Blackhawks drafted Kirby Dach third overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. After months of speculation, we can finally answer the question of whether or not they drafted the best player available.

Kirby Dach Draft Grade

The Blackhawks selected Kirby Dach third overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft after months of speculation. Was Dach the right choice for the Blackhawks? Many fans would disagree, but let’s dig a little deeper and see what Dach has to offer.

Dach is a playmaking center that projects as a first line center in the NHL. He’s known as a pass-first type of player that can be hesitant to shoot at times.

In terms of position, the Blackhawks definitely needed a high-end center, so he will likely fit in quite well. It’s easy to imagine a line with Dach centering Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat. Dach is also adept in the faceoff circle, an element that the Blackhawks could certainly use more of.

He scored 73 points in 62 games this past season in the WHL for the Saskatoon Blades.

Dach is not the worst choice with the third overall selection, but he’s a less well-rounded player than centers Dylan Cozens and Alex Turcotte, while also having less offensive upside than Trevor Zegras.

In choosing Dach, Bowman also passed on a high-end defensive prospect in Bowen Byram. He’s also the worst skater of the players listed above.

However, if Dach can become a first line center in the future, this pick shouldn’t be overanalyzed. I don’t love the pick now as I preferred some of the other centers available, but hopefully, I end up being proven wrong in the future.

Grade: C

Welcome to Chicago, Mr. Dach!