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Chicago Blackhawks projected opening night lineup features power forward prospect
The projected opening night lineup for the Chicago Blackhawks features a power forward named Colton Dach, who could play on the 4th line.
The Chicago Blackhawks will have their work cut out for them when they begin the new season against ex-Chicago defenseman Seth Jones and the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on October 7.
It will also be the 1st time that ex-Panthers goalie Spencer Knight will get a chance at his old team; he was involved in the Jones deal.
Per the projected line simulation from The Daily Faceoff, Colton Dach could play on Line 4 with captain Nick Foligno and Sam Lafferty.
New Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill, who already has head coaching experience over the former divisional foe Detroit Red Wings, believes that Dach could potentially even be a top-6 player in Chicago at some point in his career.
»I do think he is a player who can potentially end up being a really good NHL player in different spots in the lineup. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he ended up in a top-six spot, a guy who goes out and helps a couple of other really good players because he's got enough skill to play with good players.»
-Jeff Blashill
-Jeff Blashill
The Blackhawks have 7 more preseason games to go before they open the new season against the Panthers next month.
Colton Dach could soon get more NHL time with the Blackhawks
The brother of former Blackhawks forward Kirby Dach, Colton Dach was taken with the 62nd overall pick by the Blackhawks in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, and has already played in the WHL for the Saskatoon Blades and the Kelowna Rockets.
He's spent the majority of his time in the AHL with the Rockford Ice Hogs, but has 25 games of NHL experience last year in Chicago. During that time, he had 7 points (2G, 5A).
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 24 | 195 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks projected opening night lineup features power forward prospect Do you think Colton Dach deserves a roster spot for this upcoming season? | ||
| Yes | 131 | 67.2 % |
| No | 64 | 32.8 % |
| List of polls | ||