Many considered Colton Dach to be a minor addition when the Edmonton Oilers acquired him from the Chicago Blackhawks at the 2026 trade deadline. The Oilers wanted to get Jason Dickinson and shift Andrew Mangiapane’s contract. Dach was an addition that the Oilers wanted because he had drive and the potential to play a depth role. Well, in a limited selection of games, Dach seems to have the potential to be much more.
Dach suffered an unfortunate setback when he was hurt shortly after arriving. Edmonton fans had yet to experience what he was capable of. However, since returning to the ice, he has made a significant contribution. He’s been so powerful that the Blackhawks may look back and wonder why they accidentally gave Edmonton a physically, momentum-shifting forward capable of tipping playoff meetings in the Oilers’ favor.
Dach Has Already Made a Difference
In his first two games back from a 12-game injury absence, Dach has been a sensation. Oilers Nation observed that against Utah, he had 14:01 of ice time, led the club with five hits, took three shots, and scored his first goal as an Oiler. His basic statistics were remarkable in 5-on-5: 66. 67% Corsi, 77. 10% expected goals for, and 71. 43% high-danger opportunities for.
Dach followed that up on Wednesday with seven hits in 12:27, once again recording excellent numbers: 66% shots-for and 60. 63% xGF shares. In those two games, Dach had 12 hits, created scoring opportunities, and brought vitality to the bottom six. He has 207 hits this season.
The 6-foot-4, 218-pound forward — a former second-round choice — has a unique combination of height, talent, and aggression. That was precisely what the Oilers required. Not only is Dach overdelivering, but he’s also pushing people like Trent Frederic to perform at a higher level and generating some good rivalry with someone like Vasily Podkolzin, who leads the Oilers in hits.
Dach is not hesitant to mix things up and cause problems. It’s something the Oilers lacked after Corey Perry departed and Evander Kane was dealt to the Vancouver Canucks.
Bowman appears to have pulled off that trade with the Blackhawks.
Oilers GM Stan Bowman, who received considerable criticism for the deadline transactions, is being vindicated by the performances of Dach and Dickinson. Unfortunately, Dickinson sustained an injury on Wednesday, but it is hoped that he will not be forced to miss significant time. Still, both have adapted fast, delivering the tough, effective bottom-six performance that a contender like Edmonton needs to round out their squad.
Dach’s ability to angle the ice, apply forecheck pressure, and contribute offensively elevates him far beyond a throw-in—he has the potential to be a playoff X-factor.
