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31 Oilers Questions: Can Colton Dach have a breakout season?
Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
By Lane Golden
Aug 24, 2026, 19:00 EDTUpdated: Aug 24, 2026, 17:29 EDT
This August, Oilersnation will ask one question about every Edmonton Oilers player projected to be on the 2026-27 roster in preparation for the upcoming season. From Connor McDavid to Mattias Janmark, let’s ask some questions.
Colton Dach arrived in Edmonton last season at the trade deadline to relatively little fanfare. He was seen by many as a minor piece of the deal that landed the Oilers Jason Dickinson, but if his brief audition with the team last year was any indication, Dach may have more potential than previously thought.
The hulking 6-foot-4 winger provided the physicality that everyone expected, leading the Oilers in hits per hour during his eight games in Edmonton. What people weren’t expecting was the scoring and play-driving upside he flashed. In limited minutes, Dach produced half a point per game and dominated the territorial battle, posting a 74 per cent expected goal share. It was a solid start for Dach in a small sample with the Oilers — enough to earn a two-year extension with an AAV of $1.2 million.
He may have only produced 16 points in 78 career games with the Chicago Blackhawks, but at 23 years old, perhaps a breakout is still on the horizon for Dach. What would a realistic breakout look like? And how can he get there?
Why Mike Babcock will like Colton Dach
Dach’s on-ice impact in Chicago wasn’t particularly impressive, but there are two things he’s consistently provided since turning pro: physicality and responsible defensive play. He ranked in the top five on the Blackhawks in expected goal suppression and first on the Oilers. Shortly after the trade, prospect analyst Spencer Pomoty praised Dach’s defensive game and his ability to use his body to create offence.
“Adding extra defensive support is never a bad thing and Colton Dach will bring a fair amount of it to the Oilers,” wrote Pomoty. “I’m sure you’ve heard the term “positionless” and that comes to mind with the defensive versatility the 2021 draft pick brings, Dach will fill in to whatever defensive role when on the ice.”
“I found a lot of Dach’s offence came with his back to the defenders, using his full frame to buy himself some space. It’s a good profile to have for the Oilers bottom-six, they added a defensively aware winger that can lean into defenders on the cycle.”
Dach’s defensive prowess, along with his tenacious forechecking and physical play, should make him a favourite with Edmonton’s new head coach, Mike Babcock. In Toronto, Babcock famously favoured players like Leo Komarov, a defensive forward known for his high motor and agitator-style play, and Zach Hyman, an excellent forechecker who was still young and trying to find his way in the league. His favourites certainly match a lot of the qualities that Dach possesses. If he shows some early progress offensively this season, it wouldn’t surprise me at all to see Dach work his way into consistent top-nine minutes.
As for what a breakout looks like, I believe reaching 25 points while maintaining his defensive impact would be both a realistic and meaningful step. He produced at a 17-point pace last season, so with a modest bump in both production and ice time, it’s not out of the question. Anything beyond that would be difficult to achieve without getting opportunities in the top six next to McDavid or Draisaitl. I don’t see it happening this year unless the team experiences major injury issues on the wing, but perhaps someday he could get a look in a Pat Maroon-like role.
The Oilers raised a few eyebrows when they gave up their first-round pick in the Dickinson trade. But if Dach can show progress under a new coaching staff, the young forward who initially flew under the radar might help this deal age well for Edmonton.
Other Questions
- Can Mattias Ekholm remain a top pair defenceman?
- Which offseason acquisition will have the greatest impact on the Oilers?
- To trade or keep Spencer Stastney?
- Is winning a Stanley Cup the only way McDavid will re-sign?
- Can Kasperi Kapanen stick in the top six?
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Edmonton OilersTeam Cap Summary
Cap Summary
2026-27
2027-28
Projected Cap Hit
$99,274,166
$87,350,000
Projected Cap Space
$4,725,834
$26,150,000
Current Cap Space
$4,725,834
$26,150,000
Active Players
23/23
15/23
Draft Picks
Round
'26
'27
1
0
0
2
1
1
3
1
0