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Chicago Blackhawks announce a surprise 2003 born player has made the official roster

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Julien Trekker
September 28, 2025 (7:37 PM)

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A surprising player born in 2003 made a strong case at training camp to start the season on the official roster of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Official NHL rosters haven't been released yet, but with the preseason well underway and cuts being made in camps, it's safe to say that we have a great idea of which players have the best chances of making it to the big league.

In Chicago, there's a lot of room for young players, and many of them are expected to play their rookie seasons this year. While all eyes have been on Oliver Moore, Ethan Del Mastro and the other standout prospects, another one has been impressive so far, prompting a Hawks writer to say he will start the season in the NHL.

Hawks Analyst Thinks Colton Dach Will Start The Season In The NHL

Since his draft selection in 2021, Kirby Dach's younger brother, Colton, has been slowly developing in the WHL and AHL.

Last season, the 22-year-old center had a great year in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs, scoring 26 points in 33 games, while adding seven points in 25 games with the Blackhawks.

Now, the Alberta native is making a strong case to make the team this year.

Last night, he couldn't add his name to the scoresheet, but managed to find another way to help his team by dropping the gloves against Logan Mailloux, and his involvement in Oliver Moore's goal:

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This prompted Hawks analyst Greg Boysen to suggest Dach will make the opening night roster:

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While nothing has been confirmed so far, Dach brings an edge that could benefit the Hawks this season:

"I think I'm a unique player. I like to be physical. I like to play with an edge. I like to chirp. I like to be in the kind of middle of things.

I just like to be physically engaged. I think that's just really going to help me break into this league, being a bigger body, using my speed, using my physicality, also showing my skill where I can and being responsible in the D-zone."

It'll be interesting to see what decision his organization will make.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Chicago Blackhawks $1.7M signing of a depth forward: "A standout player"

Chicago Blackhawks acquire Toronto Maple Leafs forward via trade today in hockey history

26-year-old forward headlines 23 new players placed on NHL waivers: Opportunity for the Chicago Blackhawks

POLL
SEPTEMBRE 28 \| 179 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks announce a surprise 2003 born player has made the official roster Do you think Colton Dach will start the season in the NHL?
Yes	139	77.7 %
No	40	22.3 %
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Chicago Blackhawks announce a surprise 2003 born player has made the official roster

A surprising player born in 2003 made a strong case at training camp to start the season on the official roster of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Hawks Analyst Thinks Colton Dach Will Start The Season In The NHL

Do you think Colton Dach will start the season in the NHL?