Blackhawks Prospect Checkup: Colton Dach

It bears repeating, but in a Blackhawks system that's so bare with forward prospects, Colton Dach brings a glimmer of hope. Since 2017, the only forwards the organization have taken in the first two rounds of the draft are Kirby Dach, Lukas Reichel, and Colton Dach. Again, selecting forwards with skill and upside has to be a priority, early rounds of the draft or not.

While Dach had a respectable draft year with 20 points (11 goals, 9 assists) in 20 games with the Saskatoon Blades, since being traded to the Kelowna Rockets, he has taken a step this year with 53 points (19 goals, 34 assists) in 47 games. Opposite of his brother Kirby, Colton is known more for his goal scoring ability, though he's diversified his game a bit more by improving his playmaking ability. Like his brother Kirby, Colton has a big, 6'4", 205 pound frame. The one thing of concern for Colton Dach is his below average skating and shoring up a bit of his defensive game.

So what does the future hold for Colton Dach? He'll play with Kelowna this season and next season, helping the Rockets try to win a WHL championship, as well as a Memorial Cup. If he's able take another step offensively, he could also play for Canada at the 2023 World Junior championship andhelp win the gold medal. The first time Dach will go pro is probably with Rockford in 2023-24, unless he has a great training camp with Chicago. The nice thing is the Blackhawks don't have to rush him at all.

What kind of potential does Colton Dach have? While I don't think he's a top six forward, I think he could play in the middle six and be second power play unit contributor. Outside of Lukas Reichel, he probably has the highest upside of any forward prospect in the Blackhawks system.