VANCOUVER — The Blackhawks had an 8.2 percent chance of jumping into the Top-3 of the 2019 NHL Draft. But that was enough for the ping-pong balls to bounce in a way that could alter the course of the franchise for many years to come.
After months of preparation, the moment has finally arrived: With the No. 3 overall pick, the Blackhawks have taken center Kirby Dach. As expected, Jack Hughes went No. 1 to the New Jersey Devils and Kappo Kakko went No. 2 to the New York Rangers.
"It's pretty surreal," Dach said. "I'm kind of at a loss for words of what just happened. But it's awesome to be picked by the Blackhawks. You look at what they've been able to accomplish in the coming years and the management group they have in Rocky Wirtz and John McDonough. It's going to be an opportunity for me to kind of step in there. I'm thrilled to be a Blackhawk."
Dach becomes the sixth player in franchise history to be taken third overall, joining Terry Caffery (1966), Denis Savard (1980), Eddie Olczyk (1984), Cam Barker (2004) and Jonathan Toews (2006).
"These are the kind of moments that really energize a franchise, energize a team," GM Stan Bowman said on April 9. "Players get excited when they know they have a chance to play with these elite talents. It's great for everybody on our team currently, guys that are on their way to this team, members of our organization and most importantly our fans. Gives them excitement for what could be in the years to come."
At 6-foot-4, 197 pounds, Dach checks many boxes you're looking for in a center. He's big but is a smooth skater. He can be a power forward but is skilled. And he's trusted in all three zones, which is always an important quality in a center. He's often drawn comparisons to Ryan Getzlaf and tries modeling his game after Mark Scheifele.
"The thing we liked about him is it's obvious to see what he's good at with his skill set," Bowman said. "He's got good hands, great playmaker, he can do everything. Scores some beautiful goals. He does all the things that can wow you but then he does the other stuff, too.
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"He was great at stripping pucks, he was great at backchecking, he was great at the physical play when the series got pretty intense in the playoffs and it was clear they were targeting him. He not only took it, he gave it back. It was impressive to see him raise his game at a time of year when it matters most which is playoff hockey. You watch the NHL playoffs and you see how intense it can be and then you look at the way he plays and you can see that that game translates."
The 18-year-old standout registered 73 points (25 goals, 48 assists) in 62 games for the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League. He also recorded eight points (five goals, three assists) in 10 postseason contests.
Dach immediately becomes the top prospect in the organization and has the potential to be a future No. 1 center in the NHL. Whether he starts with the Blackhawks next season remains to be seen, but it's not out of the realm of possibility.
"It's too early to tell," Bowman said. "We're going to give him the opportunity. We're going to bring him to training camp then at that point he's like every other player. He's there to earn a spot on the team so I don't want to put any expectations on it. He's going to have a chance to make our team."
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