When and Where Could Kirby Dach Play for the Blackhawks?

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.