Blackhawks' Depth Move Becomes Oilers' Playoff Spark with Dach

The Chicago Blackhawks may have sent Colton Dach to the Edmonton Oilers as a trade add-on, but the 23-year-old winger has quickly become a key piece for a team on the rise. Acquired in a deadline deal that sent Jason Dickinson to the Blackhawks, Dach has already made a significant impact in limited time, showing the Oilers why he was a former second-round pick.

Dach’s arrival was overshadowed by an injury just days after the trade. However, he returned to action with a statement performance against the Utah Grizzlies. In that game, Dach played 14 minutes and 1 second, leading the Oilers with five hits, three shots on goal, and a goal. His 5-on-5 numbers were eye-opening: 66.67% Corsi, 77.10% expected goals for, and 71.43% high-danger chances for.

Dach followed that up with another strong showing in a game against the San Jose Sharks, where he recorded seven hits in 12 minutes and 27 seconds of ice time. His 66% shots-for and 60.63% xGF in that contest proved his impact wasn’t a fluke. Over his first two games back, he has 12 hits, a goal, and a noticeable presence on the ice.

Dach’s physicality and energy are exactly what the Oilers needed at the deadline. The 6-foot-4, 218-pound forward is currently the team leader in hits this season with 207, a stat that speaks to his two-way contributions. He brings a physical edge that the Oilers lost when Corey Perry left and Evander Kane was traded to the Vancouver Canucks. His presence also elevates players like Trent Frederic and pushes Vasily Podkolzin to raise his game.

Oilers general manager Stan Bowman faced some backlash for the deadline moves but is now seeing results. Both Dach and Dickinson have integrated quickly into the Oilers’ bottom-six, providing the grit and efficiency needed for a playoff contender. Dickinson, however, suffered an injury in his first game with the team and will need to be monitored.

Dach’s ability to control play, generate scoring chances, and bring physicality makes him more than just a depth player. He’s a potential playoff X-factor who could shift momentum in tight series. With the Oilers looking to extend their season, Dach’s impact could be the difference in their playoff run.