Colton Dach must show a healthy physical game to earn promotion to the Chicago Blackhawks this season

The Chicago Blackhawks could use a player like Colton Dach to camp out in front of the net and bury in rebounds.

He must show he is ready to make the jump from the AHL to the NHL during training camp. However, with so many veterans in front of him, it is more likely that Dach will start the year at Rockford.

It is there he has to show his physical game can be on the ice for more than what it was last year.

Colton, much like his brother Kirby, who the Hawks gave up on too quickly, skated in 48 games last season due to injury after he got off to a scorching start for the IceHogs. Getting hurt allowed some other prospects to make him sort of forgotten in the Hawks' prospect pool. At least when it came to being excited for prospects on their way.

Suddenly, Frank Nazar and Landon Slaggert were the hot names, especially since they were able to get a cup of coffee with the NHL team.

Dach has a chance to re-establish himself as a prospect every Hawks fan should be excited about this season.

The reason is he brings a combination of size and skill that the Hawks lack in the farm system. The Hawks have plenty of speed and skill since those are two traits the front office covets. The problem is the team lacks many prospects that the team can peg as the power forward of the future.

That is why Dach's development is so important to the franchise as he has the skill to match his size.

He can score goals, the size to sit in front of the goal to screen the goalie while slapping in rebounds, and also bring the boom on the ice.

He sounds like an old-school player, but he has the skills to overcome that enforcer label. The Hawks could use someone willing to go for a loose puck that is not over the age of 30.

Since Dach missed so much time in Rockford last year, it is going to be hard for him to change the front office's mind in training camp to give him a shot to start the year in Chicago. That is fine as he can use a bit more time in Rockford.

The key is he must stay healthy, play physically, and be consistent to earn consideration to get a call-up to cover an injury.