Blackhawks select Kirby Dach 3rd overall in NHL Entry Draft

Saskatoon Blades forward Kirby Dach was selected third overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft on Friday.

The selection sent a mixture of cheers and yells through Rogers Arena in Vancouver when the pick was announced.

Welcome to the #Blackhawks, @kdach77! pic.twitter.com/IgLn9655lw

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 22, 2019

Dach was a bit of a surprise selection as the first two picks were expected for months.

After the New Jersey Devils selected Jack Hughes first overall and the New York Rangers selected Kappo Kakko second overall, it was anyone’s guess who would be selected after the two prized prospects.

Dach was the second ranked North American forward behind Hughes on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings. He was the first Canadian selected in the draft and the first player to be selected from the Canadian Hockey League.

1️⃣ @jackhughes43
2️⃣ Kaapo Kakko
3️⃣ @kdach77#NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/YyqbauGx6P

— NHL (@NHL) June 22, 2019

With the selection, Dach became the 19th Blades player to be drafted in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft, and the highest Blades draft pick since Curtis Leschyshyn was selected third overall by the Quebec Nordiques in 1988. Only Wendel Clark (first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1985) and Blair Chapman (second overall to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1979).

The towering six-foot-four product of Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., completed his second full season with Saskatoon in April, notching 25 goals and 48 assists in 62 games. He added another eight points in 10 games.

Rounds two through seven of the draft take place on Saturday.