There is no need to rush Kirby Dach’s return to the Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks are taking great strides this season without some big players. Chicago currently finds themselves in a playoff spot despite being without big-name players like Jonathan Toews and Kirby Dach.

The injury list in Chicago has just gotten longer with time this season, and while it is important to reintroduce those players back into the lineup as soon as possible, holding players back an extra step is not a bad idea as well.

It has been widely reported the past few days that Kirby Dach practiced with the team and would be going on the latest road trip to stick with the taxi squad. That is great news but is not an indication that Dach will be back in the lineup next week.

The Blackhawks have had different forwards step up in the absence of Dach and Toews, and while I think we all want those two back as soon as possible, there is no need to rush them, especially with how good the team has been.

Pius Suter, Carl Soderberg, David Kampf, and Lucas Wallmark have done their job at center through the first twenty-plus games of the season. Getting Dach back in the middle of April will only help the team as they push for the playoffs.

The Chicago Blackhawks do not need to rush anyone back from injuries.

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This is not going to be the easiest month for Chicago, but if they can get through it and win some games, they will be in a great position come April when Dach does come back, and the team is looking ahead for a playoff push.

Plus, with how well the ‘Hawks have been, adding Dach back into the lineup prematurely will only hurt the team. If Dach comes back before he is ready, he could risk getting injured again. He is not some forward Chicago wants for this one season. He is the franchise’s future face, and making sure he is set for the next few years is more important than this one season.

Also, adding Dach back into the lineup will limit someone else’s ice time. Dach would ideally take the top line spot in between Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane. This would bump Pius Suter down a line. Suter has been great this season between DeBrincat and Kane, but who knows what he can do without those two superstars.

Coach Colliton also emphasized patience when talking about adding back Dach into the lineup.

"“Obviously it’s another step for him to be joining the team in some way, but we got a ways to go still” – Jeremy Colliton (ESPN)"

Overall, Blackhawks fans should be excited. In the next month, the team could have Kirby Dach back, and that very well could already be in a position to make the playoffs. Blackhawks hockey definitely has taken a turn from years past, but it is welcomed.

"Chicago Blackhawks plan for the season may have changed"

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