Kirby Dach Gets Last Laugh in Return to Chicago

Kirby Dach’s time with the Chicago Blackhawks didn’t exactly pan out the way anyone wanted it to. Drafted by Chicago with the third overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, Dach was rushed to the NHL in an effort to help spark the Blackhawks' offense. 

After an injury plagued three seasons in Chicago, the Blackhawks traded Dach to the Montreal Canadiens on the day of the 2022 NHL Draft. In return the Blackhawks received two draft picks from Montreal. The picks were used on Frank Nazar (13) and Gavin Hayes (66), respectively. 

The move came following the trade of fellow forward Alex DeBrincat, and signaled the Blackhawks were going all in with a rebuild.

Much was made about Dach’s return to the United Center. Most of the questions prior to Friday’s contest were centered around Dach, and the fact that the Blackhawks had decided to move on from the 21-year-old instead of building Chicago’s next core around the former third-overall pick.

While the Blackhawks were able to comeback and force overtime on Friday behind stellar goaltending from Arvid Soderblom and some late magic from Taylor Raddysh, it was Dach who stole the spotlight in the shootout. 

Kirby Dach scored the game winner and let the fans know that he could hear them. If anything, he welcomed the boos wholeheartedly after helping defeat his former team. 

In 21 games this season, Dach has tallied just four goals, but 13 assists with the Canadiens. The 21-year-old is just nine points away from tying his career high he set last season. However, those 26 points were accumulated over 70 games. Although Dach's tenure with the Blackhawks didn't pan out, it appears the change of scenery has been healthy for the young center.