Colton Dach Joins Edmonton Oilers
“I think the part I love about Colton’s game is his energy and his style of play,” said Blackhawks General Manager Stan Bowman, highlighting the attributes that make Dach a valuable addition to the Edmonton Oilers.
Colton Dach was traded to the Oilers from the Chicago Blackhawks, a move that is expected to enhance the team’s physical presence on the ice. Known for his strong and energetic style, Dach has recorded three goals and nine points in 53 NHL games this season.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 218 pounds, Dach has also made an impact with his physical play, laying 189 hits this season, ranking him 10th in the league. This trade is seen as a strategic move by the Oilers to bolster their lineup as they push for a stronger performance in the league.
The trade involved the Oilers sending Andrew Mangiapane and a conditional 2027 first-round pick to the Blackhawks in exchange for Dach and Jason Dickinson. Dickinson, who has six goals and 13 points in 47 games this season, is expected to fill the third-line center role for the Oilers.
Bowman further noted, “He’s a big kid. The thing you notice about him is he’s strong, he’s physical, but he also has the ability to score,” emphasizing the dual threat that Dach presents on the ice.
As a player drafted 62nd overall by the Blackhawks in 2021, Dach is still in the early stages of his NHL career. He hails from St. Albert, Alberta, and has previously played junior hockey with the Saskatoon Blades, Kelowna Rockets, and Seattle Thunderbirds.
With this trade, the Blackhawks retained 50 percent of Dickinson’s $4.25 million cap hit, making the deal more manageable for the Oilers. This financial strategy allows the Oilers to integrate both players into their roster without significant salary cap strain.
Coach Jeff Blashill remarked on Dickinson’s role, stating, “He’s definitely taken on a good spot of responsibility in terms of a lot of times he’s out there against the other team’s really good players,” indicating the importance of both players in their new roles.
As the Oilers look to improve their standings, the addition of Dach and Dickinson could prove pivotal in their quest for success this season.
