Chicago Blackhawks News: Kirby Dach is close to returning
The Chicago Blackhawks are in a very good spot right now. Going into the season it looked like doom and gloom after they announced that Kirby Dach would be out for a long time. He sustained a wrist injury during the World Junior Classic and that has put his season on hold. Some people wondered if the Hawks were going to be one of the worst teams in the league as a result. These expectations on them made it seem bleak that Dach would return at all because what would be the point?
Well, this team has been awesome. They are firmly in the playoff mix with a record of 13-8-5. They are firmly above the payoff line in the Central Division with six points on the fifth-place Columbus Blue Jackets. Their practice on Monday came after a somewhat successful three-game set with the Tampa Bay Lightning. They collected three out of a possible six points (1-1-1) in that little series which is good for facing the defending Stanley Cup Champions.
Now, in Monday’s optional practice, we saw Dach participate. He also participated in certain non-contact drills with some teammates. It was really good to see him out there working on these drills along with some individual puck handling.
Scott Powers of “The Athletic” confirmed that Dach is going to travel with the Chicago Blackhawks on their upcoming road trip but he will not play. He also states that Jeremy Colliton confirmed he is still a little bit away.
Colliton said Kirby Dach will travel on the road trip, but he said he's still has a ways to go.
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) March 8, 2021
Kirby Dach doing individual work during #Blackhawks optional practice. We'll see how much more intensely he participates pic.twitter.com/YjeHbZdTvr
— Chris Boden (@BodenTweets) March 8, 2021
The Chicago Blackhawks, as mentioned before, would get a major boost to having Dach back. He would come right in and be their new top-line center. Jonathan Toews has been out all year long so having Dach come back would really help. Some of the wingers on the team have been awesome so getting a top-end center back would really help.
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This is also a huge year in Dach’s development. He is one of the younger players on the team right now but of the young guys, he might have the highest ceiling. It is really good to see him progressing with his injury the way that he is and maybe he can be in the lineup sooner than later. It sounds like he will get a lot of practice in before he gets in a game which is probably a smart idea. No matter the timeline, this is a good sign.