Colton Dach traded to Edmonton Oilers
“Dach is a skilled player who uses his body, albeit with below-average speed,” a source noted following the trade announcement. Colton Dach has officially been traded to the Edmonton Oilers from the Chicago Blackhawks, a significant move for both teams as they navigate the 2026 NHL season.
The trade also includes players Jason Dickinson and Andrew Mangiapane, with the Blackhawks retaining 50% of Dickinson’s $4.25 million cap hit. This strategic decision reflects the Blackhawks’ ongoing efforts to manage their salary cap while enhancing their roster.
Colton Dach, who was drafted 62nd overall by the Blackhawks in 2021, is in his first full NHL season, having recorded three goals and nine points in 53 games thus far. His physical presence on the ice is notable, as he has registered 189 hits this season, ranking him 10th in the league.
Prior to his NHL career, Dach played junior hockey with the Saskatoon Blades, Kelowna Rockets, and Seattle Thunderbirds, where he won the Ed Chynoweth Cup in 2023. His development in junior hockey has contributed to his current role in the NHL.
Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill commented on Dach’s performance, 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.” This highlights Dach’s growing importance to the Blackhawks’ lineup.
The trade also includes a 2027 first-round pick for the Blackhawks, which is top-12 protected, adding a layer of security for Chicago as they look to the future. This protection ensures that the pick will remain valuable even if the Oilers’ performance improves.
As for Dickinson, he has contributed six goals and 13 points in 47 games this season. Reports suggest that he is likely to fill the third-line centre role for the Oilers, further solidifying their roster depth.
With this trade, both teams are poised for a shift in dynamics as they head deeper into the season. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the immediate impact of this trade on both teams’ strategies moving forward.