It was a surprise to some when the Chicago Blackhawks announced that rookie and 2019 draft pick Kirby Dach had made the team. Many believed he needed some seasoning in the AHL to get used to playing with stronger players compared to junior. Regardless, Dach has stuck around with the team and will be here to stay. As the Daily Herald points out, Dach's ice time has been extremely low compared to other rookies over the years in the same situation. "In the last seven games, Dach's ice time has been 7:29, 12:37, 10:06, 9:02, healthy scratch, 7:43 and 12:36. That's a 9:56 average, far below the playing time No. 1 pick Jack Hughes (16:05) and No. 2 pick Kaapo Kakko (15:18) are seeing for the Devils and Rangers, respectively.It's also far below the ice time Connor McDavid, Patrik Laine, Nico Hischier and Andrei Svechnikov saw as 18-year-old rookies."Former NHLer and Blackhawks' forward Jamal Mayers says it's concerning. "I am a little bit (concerned)," Mayers said NBC Sports Chicago. "For a forward, I would say 13-15 minutes of ice time would be ideal, especially if he's not going to be having special-teams time. He's a guy who's used to playing a lot of minutes and you don't want to affect his confidence." What do you think of Mayers comments?
Previously on HawksInsider
MUST READ
1 hour ago | By Joshua Deeds
Hurricanes' Taylor Hall Calls Out The Chicago Blackhawks With Big Allegations
1 hour ago | By Sam Walker
Former Chicago Blackhawks 8th Overall Pick Placed on NHL Waivers
2 hours ago | By Jim Precourt
Three Players the Chicago Blackhawks Should be Looking at for the 2025 NHL Draft
4 hours ago | By Sam Walker
Famous NHL Executive and Broadcaster Shawn Simpson Tragically Passes At Age 56
18 hours ago | By Joshua Deeds
Former Blackhawk Alex DeBrincat Sets Record In Detroit
19 hours ago | By Joshua Deeds
Red Wings Forced To Make Emergency Move Amidst Patrick Kane's Injury
21 hours ago | By Joshua Deeds
Seattle Kraken Place former $35M Stanley Cup Champion On Waivers
Jan 29 | By Joshua Deeds
Member of the Blackhawks dynasty hits new all-time low following NHL contract termination