Blackhawks 2025-26 Player Grades: Colton Dach

Dach was the prototypical fourth line player for the Blackhawks. Offense wasn’t necessarily his game, but being a bully and finishing checks was. Dach established himself as an energy player, registering 219 hits last season, good for 14th in the league. 189 of those hits came with the Hawks.

Dach had a strong start to the season, but only suited up in 53 games before he was traded alongside Jason Dickinson. Dach fell out of favor and battled some injuries, meaning he became expendable in the front office’s eyes. He helped secure a first-round pick for the Blackhawks, and he went to a great situation for him.

In just eight games with the Oilers, Dach posted four points. In addition, he earned another contract. Dach signed a two-year, $1.2 million AAV contract with the Oilers. Dach was a Stan Bowman draft pick, and Bowman gave him a second contract. There is a chance he would have been released by the Hawks otherwise.

Player Grades

Blackhawks Cowboy’s Grade: C

It’s always hard saying goodbye to homegrown players. After his brother, Kirby Dach, was drafted to Chicago in 2019, Colton Dach followed suit as a second-round selection in 2021. In his second full year in the Windy City, Colton didn’t do great. On a struggling Blackhawks team, Dach had a mere nine points. It was clear that with the influx of depth prospects in the system, Dach would be moved one day. And that day was April 2, 2026, as he and Jason Dickinson were shipped up north for Andrew Mangiapane and a first round pick. Dach played his role well this year. Not great by any means, but well enough to be valued.

Tony Marchese’s Grade: C

While Colton Dach was a prospect I wish had stuck in Chicago, sometimes the business gets in the way. In this case, it meant he was shipped off to Edmonton, but during his time here, he flashed a decent amount of grit and a hard-nosed style of play that could have one day made him a fan-favorite in Chicago. Sure, there was a long road to climb to get there, but the tools and game style were there. The stat sheet could have looked better, and overall, he was average, so a C here is about all he will earn.

Ron Luce’s Grade: C

Sent to Edmonton with Jason Dickinson, Colton Dach filled a key role in Edmonton. Although he was beloved by his teammates in Chicago, Dach ventures to Edmonton under Stan Bowman, the GM responsible for drafting him in Chicago. He was near the top of the hit charts throughout the season, but Dach didn’t bring much in terms of offense. Dach was also overshadowed by some other bottom-six names at times. He had a fine season, but nothing that the Hawks will miss dearly.

What’s On Tap Next?

Colton Dach now figures to be an important fourth-line piece for Edmonton the next two years. Inexpensive contracts are key for Edmonton, as they look to get Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl a Stanley Cup. Regardless, the Blackhawks move on, and can use that first round pick to add more talent to an up-an-coming roster.

Tell us if you agree with our grades! What would you give Colton Dach? Let us know at @FourFeathersPod on X and Instagram!

Next Up: Jason Dickinson