Blackhawks’ Deadline Trade “Throw-In” Could Be Oilers’ Secret Playoff Weapon

When the Edmonton Oilers acquired Colton Dach from the Chicago Blackhawks at the 2026 trade deadline, many viewed the 23-year-old as a secondary piece. Essentially, the Oilers were trying to acquire Jason Dickinson and move Andrew Mangiapane’s contract. Dach was an add-on that the Oilers liked, simply because he had energy and could potentially play a depth role. Well, in only a small sample of games, it appears Dach has the ability to be a whole lot more than that.

Dach was dealt an unfortunate blow when he was injured right after his arrival. Edmonton fans hadn’t yet gotten a taste of what he could do. But, since his return to the ice, he’s been a difference-maker. He’s been so strong, the Blackhawks may look back and wonder why they unwittingly handed Edmonton a physical, momentum-shifting forward who could tilt playoff matchups 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 force. Oilers Nation pointed out that against Utah, he logged 14:01 of ice time, led the team with five hits, registered three shots, and scored his first goal as an Oiler. His underlying numbers were dominant at 5-on-5: 66.67% Corsi, 77.10% expected goals for, and 71.43% high-danger chances for.

Dach followed that up against the Sharks on Wednesday with seven hits in 12:27, posting a strong metrics again — 66% shots-for and 60.63% xGF shares. Across those two contests, Dach delivered 12 hits, generated scoring chances, and injected energy into the bottom six. He has 207 hits on the season.

The 6-foot-4, 218-pound winger — a former second-round pick — brings a rare blend of size, skill, and physicality that was exactly what the Oilers needed. Not only is Dach overdelivering, but he’s bringing an extra gear out of guys like Trent Frederic and creating some healthy competition with someone like Vasily Podkolzin, who leads the Oilers in hits.

Dach is not afraid to stir things up and agitate. It’s an element the Oilers lost when Corey Perry left, and Evander Kane was traded to the Vancouver Canucks.

Bowman Seems to Have Nailed That Trade with the Blackhawks

Oilers GM Stan Bowman, who faced some heavy criticism for the deadline moves, is being vindicated with the play of both Dach and Dickinson. Unfortunately, Dickinson suffered an injury on Wednesday, so the hope is he won’t miss serious time. Still, both have integrated quickly, providing the gritty, efficient bottom-six play that a contender like Edmonton need to help round out their lineup.

Dach’s ability to tilt the ice, create forecheck pressure, and contribute offensively makes him far more than a throw-in—he’s a potential playoff X-factor.

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