Peasy
Registered User
You clearly don't watch much of Matthews.
I personally don't think Marner's hands are top in the NHL.
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C Kirby Dach (2019, 3rd, CHI)
- Thread starter SmartPuck
- Start date
I personally don't think Marner's hands are top in the NHL.
Marc the Habs Fan
Moderator
So with today's trade, Dach appears to be the leading candidate (by far) to be the Blackhawks' 3rd line C. They also had a big press conference to introduce him to the Chicago media a few days after the draft, which kind of demonstrates that they view him as part of the roster for this season.
Kaners Bald Spot
Registered User
He's got competition. Kurashev and Aleksi Saarela could also take that spot. There are also options currently on the roster, such as Caggiula and Shaw. Both have played and can play center.
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780il
edm
I don't think it would be smart... 1 more year in the WHL to fix the consistency issues.
Teemu
Caffeine Free Since 1919
- Dec 3, 2002
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Probably still a little bold at this point but I do think they had a potential route for Dach in mind when making the trade
I literally watched Tyler Ennis do that in warmups like three times when he was with the Sabres (and I only saw him play live ~3 times)
Matthews has good hands but it's not because of that, all of these guys can do cool shit in warmups
greasysnapper
Registered User
- Apr 6, 2018
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For me it's not even the consistency, it's allowing his body to grow, and not get roughed up. Part of the reason why Nylander has struggled is he was rushed into a mens league at 18. I know Dach is a big boy, but I think the best long term plan is to send him back and let him dominate the western league and the wjc and have him ready for 2020-21.
NuxFan09
Registered User
This is the kid I wanted back when I thought the Canucks could finish low enough to get him. I love the Thornton/Getzlaf mould of a solidly built, big playmaker. The combo of elite passing and vision along with the big body to shield the puck is just something I love in a first line centre.
How good do you Hawks fans think he can be?
How good do you Hawks fans think he can be?
CallMeShaft
Calder Bedard Fan
- Apr 14, 2014
- 15,885
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Improve his first step and the sky is the limit.
Realistically, however, we'd love to see him be a Mark Scheifele clone who takes a little less time hitting his ceiling (it took MS a handful of years to become a 1st line center, and we'd obviously like Dach to reach that point a bit faster).
izzy
go
yeah i remember chris neil doing some insane shit in warmup when i saw ottawa a few years ago
wouldnt say he has much for hands
snipes
How cold? I’m ice cold.
- Dec 28, 2015
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He can play in the NHL right now on 3rd line duties.
I’ve seen enough of this kid live to say that if he plays like he did in the PA series, he can step in now. The real question is can he sustain 2C duties? That’s trickier.
Long term I’d want Kane on his wing to maximize that hockey IQ and passing ability. Kane should be all over mentoring this kid.
EbonyRaptor
Registered User
Based on the first 3 days of prospect camp - he has looked VERY good. Granted it's playing against other prospects, but the way he skates, handles the puck and shoots - those are skills that are not enhanced by weaker competition. The first 3 days of camp and tomorrow have been all battle drills, skating drills, 2 on 2's etc, there will be a scrimmage on Friday where we can see how he plays in a game.
We'll see how he does the next 2 days and then in the Traverse City tourney and training camp - but, unless he stumbles - I say he makes the team out of camp at least for 9 games before the team has to decide to keep him or send him back to Saskatoon.
We'll see how he does the next 2 days and then in the Traverse City tourney and training camp - but, unless he stumbles - I say he makes the team out of camp at least for 9 games before the team has to decide to keep him or send him back to Saskatoon.
Kevin Musto
Hard for Bedard
- Feb 16, 2018
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With Toews and Strome, he wouldn't even have the opportunity to be 2C with the Hawks.
Pass the Saitl Sauce
Registered User
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Marc the Habs Fan
Moderator
This type of elaborate press conference with the owner, president, GM, etc present? Giving him his usual number 77 Jersey? I would imagine it doesn't happen often.
Kid definitely has the size to play in the NHL this year, especially if he's centering a 3rd line and playing somewhat sheltered minutes. Wanted him on the Avs prior to the Barrie trade, feels bad.
Freaky Styley
Registered User
Seems to be putting on a show today at the Hawks development camp. Look like they have a good one, but can't be mad with landing Byram. Reminds me of Getzlaf without the nasty
Ace Card Bedard
Back in Black, Red, and White
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He's still only 18 years old too.
Agreed on Byram, gonna be a great D for a long time in the NHL.
Pavel Buchnevich
Drury and Laviolette Must Go
There are a lot of people you’ll find off the street who have the size to play in the NHL this year. I don’t think that’s ever been the main reason a prospect started in the NHL after being drafted.
My comment never mentions him lacking talent, it should be a given that you can play in the NHL with the right skill set. Many kids drafted this year with similar talent and not the same frame will most likely be developing elsewhere.
He should go back to junior. He needs to show night in and night out consistency at that level. He too often floats in and out of games, sometimes for multiple game stretches. No one can dispute his raw talent and skill set. He has the tools to end up the best player in this draft. Personally, I wouldn't have given him serious consideration until Hughes, Kakko, Byram, and Turcotte were off the board, but I can see where Chicago is coming from with their ranking of him. I tend to view that teams should be cautious with prospects and playing them at 18, especially if they aren't wingers. Usually, it takes a pretty elite prospect to make an impact as a center in the NHL in their D+1 such as McDavid, Matthews, and Eichel. Kotkaniemi was a good to decent 3rd liner this year. But, outside of guys who are viewed as truly special #1 overall level talents its rare to see centers in the NHL in their D+1. Barkov and Monahan did, and both have developed into very good players.
Personally, if I'm Chicago, I'll keep him until near the end of camp, send him back to Saskatoon then, let him build up steam and hopefully it leads to a strong WJC, and overall season. Then next year he can hopefully push for a full-time role as the #2 or #3 center. Similar to what was done with PLD and RyJo. If a kid has trouble finding consistency in the WHL, its a very big ask to have him find it while adapting to the NHL.
Personally, if I'm Chicago, I'll keep him until near the end of camp, send him back to Saskatoon then, let him build up steam and hopefully it leads to a strong WJC, and overall season. Then next year he can hopefully push for a full-time role as the #2 or #3 center. Similar to what was done with PLD and RyJo. If a kid has trouble finding consistency in the WHL, its a very big ask to have him find it while adapting to the NHL.
avsfan09
Registered User
It depends on what the reason for consistency is. Maybe he needs to be pushed. Personally I think Dach could play a third line role well enough. Question is whether it helps him develop faster or stagnates his offense. I would agree that WHL looks like the safer bet though but he should be given a good look at camp. If he proves he can handle it in camp keep him around and give him a shot. He can always be sent back to junior if he hits a wall.
EbonyRaptor
Registered User
If he plays well at Traverse City, training camp and preseason games - I hope they let him start the season with the team and let him play a handful of games (less than 10) and make the decision then. If he doesn't prove too good to send back - then send him back and slide the ELC year.
EbonyRaptor
Registered User
Dach scores 2 goals and has a nice backhand no-look assist to lead Canada to a 4-1 win over USA at the Summer showcase. Ho hum ... just another day at the office.
