Is Kirby Dach ready to be the #1 centre next season?

[Castle8130]

He doesn't have the hockey IQ and skill to be a #1. His upside is a good 2c. Right now he is projected to be a #2b/#3a center. It's sad because he really does have the physical strength, size, and skating to become a #1. Unfortunately his lack of hockey knowledge is hurting him the most.

 

[HawksBeerFan]

Org needs totally new approach to draft and development.

You mean having a AA-level coach in charge of developing your most important assets isn't a good idea?

 

[Hawkaholic]

He doesn't have the hockey IQ and skill to be a #1. His upside is a good 2c. Right now he is projected to be a #2b/#3a center. It's sad because he really does have the physical strength, size, and skating to become a #1. Unfortunately his lack of hockey knowledge is hurting him the most.

He's barely played a full season. 93 total GP. LOL

 

[RayP]

He doesn't have the hockey IQ and skill to be a #1. His upside is a good 2c. Right now he is projected to be a #2b/#3a center. It's sad because he really does have the physical strength, size, and skating to become a #1. Unfortunately his lack of hockey knowledge is hurting him the most.

You are the first person I’ve seen question his hockey IQ.


His shot is still his biggest flaw to me, and trying to dangle too much at times.

 

[Castle8130]

You are the first person I’ve seen question his hockey IQ.


His shot is still his biggest flaw to me, and trying to dangle too much at times.

He literally tries to dangle through defenders by brute force (his highlight goal of the the year so far was 1 of 20 dangles that worked), his ability to read situations in the offensive zone is poor, and his shooting decisions are poor. Really bad at recognizing when to slow down the play on rushes or when he has time in the offensive zone. All of these issues stem from his hockey knowledge and decision making.

 

[Kevin Musto]

He doesn't have the hockey IQ and skill to be a #1.

Disagree.

You're just watching a playing that's being neutered by JC.

 

[Kaners Bald Spot]

Watching a lot of the Sox and Hawks over the last couple years has taught me not to expect much from prospects, even if highly ranked. The correct point of view is that prospects are suspect until proven otherwise. Not to say they're not valuable, and should always be traded for the present, but rather expecting greatness is unrealistic. It either happens or it doesn't.

 

[CallMeShaft]

He doesn't have IQ? f*** people, do you even watch the games? I swear he makes a 75ft stretch pass at least every other game. And he made a great play to Kubalik in the slot last night.

His problem is his shot. Outside of scoring near the blue paint, he's hardly a danger by himself. So if his linemates aren't generating, he's not producing. It's a legit flaw in what is an otherwise fantastic hockey specimen.

I could maybe see someone complain about him holding onto the puck for to long in the offensive zone. He might be better off distributing it faster, but as long as he maintains possession, which he usually does, who cares if he takes his time trying to find a high danger play. Better that the puck is on Kirby's stick than someone who is wearing a different jersey.

 

[giza]

He's a little predictable without a few moves.....he looks to pass first because he's not a natural goal scorer at this point----D and G's and cheat to that.....he needs to work on his shot and his stickhandling moves so he's a more holistic threat....no problems whatsoever with Kirby Dach at this point given his age and games played.

 

[Ace Rothstein]

He plays pretty well but the production isn't close to where you'd like to see it. If he isn't progressing at this time next year then I'll be really concerned.

 

[BK]

He doesn't have the hockey IQ and skill to be a #1. His upside is a good 2c. Right now he is projected to be a #2b/#3a center. It's sad because he really does have the physical strength, size, and skating to become a #1. Unfortunately his lack of hockey knowledge is hurting him the most.

This take about his IQ is wrong.

 

[Kaners Bald Spot]

Can he improve his shot at this point in his career?

 

[ClydeLee]

Can he improve his shot at this point in his career?

...yes... Certainly takes work and he needs more confidence in his shot in general. But he's 20 with less than 100 nhl games played. And plays with a guy who really improved working with his shot at like 25.

 

[clydesdale line]

Maybe Kirby is a notorious slow starter? I predict he'll pick it up as the season goes on.

 

[goldenbladz1]

yep. The entire team sucks but I just haven’t been impressed with him. A pick that high needs to be showing more.

the team is poorly coached and developed but he, Kubalik and Toews have been the biggest disappointments so far. Toews because of the massive contract and total lack of production, Kubalik because of the lack of scoring and Dach because of his cornerstone status going forward

Ya a team that went toe to toe with the Blues and now the Canes. Do some people even watch the games? Kubalik is working hard forechecking but not scoring ( he has had tons of breakaways not converted) Toews gets better every game. He just missed a whole season Christ! He just needs to shoot more. Watch the perfect setups he has made that weren’t converted

 

[BK]

Can he improve his shot at this point in his career?

Is this a serious question?

 

[Kaners Bald Spot]

Is this a serious question?

Yeah I don't play I have no idea if pros can improve their shot or not.

Like I've been told that a player can't really improve their skating at a certain point so it was a legit question.

 

[BobbyJet]

Yeah I don't play I have no idea if pros can improve their shot or not.

Like I've been told that a player can't really improve their skating at a certain point so it was a legit question.

Though practice will of course help to improve a player's shot, mostly when it comes to accuracy. And players are always looking to improve their shots - experimenting with different sticks, weight training in the off-season etc... but IMO, it's more a matter of hockey intelligence of knowing when to pick your spots. (In some regards, experience is the most important element provided the body holds out).

 

[RayP]

Of course he can improve, but how much is really the question.

His shot is pretty bad in all honesty that a marginal improvement might not make much of a difference.

 

[Marotte Marauder]

The improvement, if it comes, will between the ears. Get the puck on your stick and get it off of your stick even quicker.

 

[BK]

The improvement, if it comes, will between the ears. Get the puck on your stick and get it off of your stick even quicker.

Are you questioning his hockey IQ? Or how is is still learning to think at the NHL level speed?

I know it sounds the same but I think you get what I am trying to say. Let me know if you don't (not being a dick tone-wise).

 

[Marotte Marauder]

Are you questioning his hockey IQ? Or how is is still learning to think at the NHL level speed?

I know it sounds the same but I think you get what I am trying to say. Let me know if you don't (not being a dick tone-wise).

Not his IQ just working on his release will find more success against goalies at this level. It's not like he has a Kruger shot LOL

 

[BK]

Not his IQ just working on his release will find more success against goalies at this level. It's not like he has a Kruger shot LOL

Ah ok. I agree.

I am glad I asked.

 

[featherhawk]

Yeah I don't play I have no idea if pros can improve their shot or not.

Like I've been told that a player can't really improve their skating at a certain point so it was a legit question.

yes he can

 

[featherhawk]

Dach has hockey IQ

the guy has already proven to be a puck possession hound, can play a really solid 2 way 200 foot game

people ask if he is ready to be a number 1C, I believe that he will be ready to be a 1C next season.

that said as a 1C I do not see him as a 80+ number 1 C

the kid has loads of potential however JC is detriment to his development IMO