2019 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Kirby Dach has tools to be a playmaker

Kirby Dach could wind up being the second-best center in the 2019 NHL Draft.

The 2019 NHL Draft has two number one pick caliber forwards in Kappo Kakko and Jack Hughes. However, the next tier of forwards are sort of crowded together. Kirby Dach stands out as the best bet among the second-tier forwards in the draft.

Dach has all the tools you want to see in a franchise center. He’s a bit of an old school player, but he knows how to use his skill set efficiently. Don’t be surprised if Dach winds up being the second-best center in the draft.

Prospect Profile

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Height: 6’4″ (193 cm)
Weight: 198 pounds (90 kg)
Teams: Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
Country: Canada
Position: Center
Handedness: Right-handed
Date of birth: January 21, 2001

All profile info is courtesy of Elite Prospects.

Strengths

Dach has ideal size for a center. More importantly, he knows how to use his large frame. Dach shows potential on face-offs and is not afraid to go to the boards. His wingspan is among the best in the class and he certainly knows how to use it.

He has the tools to be a top-notch playmaker in the NHL. Dach has great vision and is able to set up scoring chances for his teammates. His creativity in the offensive zone stands out. Dach also has soft hands, as shown by his 26 goals during the regular season. If he gets more confident in his shot, he could push 20 goals a season for a good portion of his career.

Dach is fairly elusive for someone his size. He’s also not afraid to go to the net. Given his size, that’s a really good thing. Dach has every tool necessary to be a great power-play guy from the half-wall.

Weaknesses

Dach isn’t going to wow you. If you’re looking for someone who will make your jaw drop regularly, he’s not your guy. Dach still has the moments with his passing, but his game is more technically sound than it is flashy. His speed isn’t going to be a liability, but he lacks the explosiveness you’d like to see in a modern center.

He’s also not that physical considering his size. That said, Dach is good at using his stick to break up plays. Combined with his wingspan, he’s able to be strong defensively despite not being a very physical player. So I wouldn’t worry too much about that.

Dach also has to improve on face-offs. He has the tools to be a shutdown center who can still put up points, but he’ll need to be more consistent in the dot to realize his true potential.

Highlights

Overall Outlook

Dach is the most NHL ready player in the second tier of forwards. His skill set, combined with his body which is built for the NHL, should have him be an immediate contributor. In a sheltered third-line role, I could see him grabbing some Calder Trophy votes.

That said, he doesn’t have as high of a ceiling as some of the other forwards in his tier. But Dach has the highest floor without question. He should be at least a second-line center on a good team. If Dach improves his skating and his faceoffs, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him be a first-line center.

For more of our draft profiles, check out our NHL Draft page.