Colton Dach Bio
Colton Dach is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays the centre position for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) and listed at 218 lb (99 kg), he shoots left and brings a combination of size and skill to the forward group. Selected 62nd overall in the second round of the 2021 NHL entry draft by the Chicago Blackhawks, Dach has steadily worked his way into the professional ranks.
Born and raised in St. Albert, Alberta, Dach grew up immersed in the game of hockey in a region known for developing NHL-caliber talent. After beginning his professional career with the Blackhawks organization, he was later traded to the Edmonton Oilers during the 2025–26 NHL season.
Early Life and Background
Colton Dach was born on January 4, 2003, in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada. He is the son of Dale and Hillary Dach, and grew up alongside his older brother Kirby Dach, who is also a professional ice hockey player. The family’s deep connection to the sport shaped Colton’s early years and laid the foundation for his development as a player.
From a young age, Dach began playing ice hockey with his brother, frequently practicing on a backyard rink and on Garner Lake near the family’s cabin. These informal settings helped him develop his skating and puck-handling skills before he entered organized hockey. He is also a maternal cousin of Keaton Verhoeff, a top prospect for the 2026 NHL entry draft, continuing a family tradition tied to the sport.
As a child, Dach was a fan of the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL), often attending games at Rexall Place with his father. Those early experiences watching professional hockey helped fuel his ambition to reach the highest level of the game.
Path to Hockey
Dach’s progression through junior hockey marked his transition from a promising youth player to a legitimate NHL prospect. Early into his junior career, he represented Team Alberta at the 2019 Canada Winter Games, where he earned a bronze medal. The experience of competing in a multi-provincial tournament helped him adjust to higher levels of competition and gave him valuable exposure to scouts.
Following his success at the Canada Winter Games, Dach continued to develop within the Canadian junior system, eventually earning an invitation to join the Canadian national junior team in advance of the 2023 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. Over four contests in the tournament, he registered two points before suffering an injury in Canada’s final group-stage game that sidelined him for the remainder of the event. Canada ultimately defeated Czechia in overtime to capture the gold medal.
His strong junior trajectory led to his selection by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2021 NHL entry draft, 62nd overall, where he was viewed as a forward with size, skill, and a high ceiling. Dach spent the following seasons refining his game in preparation for full-time professional hockey.
Colton Dach Career
Early Career
After being drafted by the Blackhawks in 2021, Dach continued his development within the organization’s prospect pipeline. He spent several seasons honing his game at the junior and professional levels, working to translate his physical tools into consistent on-ice production. His progression reflected the Blackhawks’ long-term plan to integrate him into their NHL roster.
During this development phase, Dach focused on building strength, improving his two-way play, and adjusting to the pace of professional hockey. His performances at both the junior and minor professional levels gave the Blackhawks confidence that he was ready for an NHL opportunity.
NHL Breakthrough
Dach made his NHL debut on January 3, 2025, in a game against the Montreal Canadiens. The debut marked a significant milestone in his career and validated years of development within the Blackhawks organization. Stepping onto NHL ice represented the realization of a childhood dream that began on backyard rinks in St. Albert.
Although his time with the Blackhawks at the NHL level was brief, the experience provided Dach with his first sustained exposure to the speed and physicality of the league. He used the opportunity to demonstrate his size, skating ability, and willingness to compete in all three zones.
Edmonton Oilers Era
On March 4, 2026, Dach was traded to the Edmonton Oilers alongside Jason Dickinson in exchange for Andrew Mangiapane and a conditional first-round pick in the 2027 NHL entry draft. The move brought him to the franchise he grew up watching as a child, creating a full-circle moment for the young centre.
Joining the Oilers organization placed Dach within a competitive roster competing for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. His transition to Edmonton represented both a fresh opportunity and a return to familiar surroundings, given his lifelong connection to the city and the team.
Driving Style and Strengths
Colton Dach
Colton Dach’s older brother, Kirby Dach, is also a professional ice hockey player. Kirby was selected third overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2019 NHL entry draft and plays for the Montreal Canadiens. The two brothers have shared hockey journeys from backyard rinks in St. Albert to the NHL, and their parallel careers reflect the family’s strong commitment to the sport.
Colton Dach Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Colton Dach comes from a close-knit hockey family rooted in St. Albert, Alberta. He is the son of Dale and Hillary Dach, and his older brother Kirby Dach is a professional ice hockey player currently with the Montreal Canadiens. The brothers developed their games together on backyard rinks and at Garner Lake.
Dach is also a maternal cousin of Keaton Verhoeff, a top prospect for the 2026 NHL entry draft. This extended family connection underscores the deep hockey tradition within the Dach family.
Personal Life
Colton Dach was born and raised in St. Albert, Alberta, and remains Canadian by nationality. Details about his marital status, spouse, or children are not publicly documented in verified sources. His personal life has remained largely private, with his public profile centered on his career as a professional ice hockey player.
2025 Season Performance
Colton Dach made his NHL debut on January 3, 2025, in a game against the Montreal Canadiens, officially beginning his top-level professional career. The debut came after several seasons of development within the Chicago Blackhawks organization, marking a significant step forward in his hockey journey.
Following the debut, Dach continued his development within the Blackhawks system, gaining valuable NHL experience and adjusting to the pace of professional hockey. His progress during the early portion of the season reflected his commitment to earning a permanent role at the highest level.
On March 4, 2026, Dach was traded to the Edmonton Oilers alongside Jason Dickinson in exchange for Andrew Mangiapane and a conditional first-round pick in the 2027 NHL entry draft. The trade placed him within a contending organization, offering him a new environment to continue his growth and contribute to a competitive roster.
