When and Where Could Kirby Dach Play for the Blackhawks?
Kirby Dach is back on the ice, skating with the team less than three months after wrist surgery.
Following Kirby Dach’s return to the Blackhawks’ practices, Jeremy Colliton managed expectations by stating that Dach has “Ways to go” before he returns. According to different sources, Dach is also ahead of schedule in his recovery so we could very well see him late-March, early April.
When could he play?
Personally, I would like to see Kirby Dach come back against the Nashville Predators, whether it be the two-game homestand in late-March, or the single away game in early-April. Nashville has been underwhelming and could be the best way to ease him into the league on the first or second line. He could get a conditioning stint in Rockford, but that doesn’t seem to be likely so I’ll continue to believe he’ll play his first game post-surgery in the NHL.
He could also make his season debut against Carolina at the beginning of April, if the coaching staff thinks he’s ready to go. Carolina is a completely different beast than Nashville though and would be a difficult “welcome back” for Dach. The Hurricanes are a tough, physical team with great play in every area. This is all speculation though as the Blackhawks should be in no rush to bring him back before he’s ready.
With that said, his recovery is said to be going much faster than anyone expected and he is back on the ice, practicing with the team in early-March. He’s about a month ahead of schedule so we shouldn’t be surprised to see him back earlier than expected.
Late-April, Early-May was the original timeline of return, so mid-April wouldn’t be too farfetched.
Where could he play? The Blackhawks have options
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Blackhawks want him centering the first or second line if everything goes to plan. They could go down the “all systems go” route, where he plays on the first line with the hardest matchups against him. Or they could go down the “ease him in” route, where he plays on the third line with easier matchups AND the linemates that can contribute offensively.
He could play on the first line between Alex Debrincat and Patrick Kane right off the bat if possible. The playmaking ability of Kane with the shot of Debrincat is enough already. If Dach maintains his play-level from the postseason? Good luck. He will get used to the intensity of the Central Division quickly here. This is the “all systems go” option.
He could also play on the third-line with Janmark and Wallmark if the Blackhawks want to ease him into the league. The first and second lines will get the hardest match-ups, making it harder for Dach to play. This third line will be an offensive threat but won’t draw the likes of Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonough or Dougie Hamilton and Jaccob Slavin. This is the conservative, safe option for the Blackhawks.
Both options have their pros and cons, but the coaching staff can place him anywhere in the lineup within the top-nine. Each line offers Dach the pieces he needs to succeed.
To Conclude…
When Dach is able to play, the Blackhawks can really play him anywhere and he will have the chance to succeed. They have options now with three lines that can contribute on a nightly basis, sometimes even four. Jeremy Colliton could ease Dach into the league again on the third line, or he could place him on the first line to get him going.
With that said, the Blackhawks have no reason to rush and should be patient. The last thing they need is Dach aggravating his injury and placed back on IR in his first game back.