What they say about rumours, “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” certainly applied to Kirby Dach (pictured) at the 2019 N-H-L Draft Friday.

The collective gasp at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena was very audible as the Chicago Blackhawks chose the 18-year-old Fort Saskatchewan, Ab. product with the third overall pick. Coming into the weekend, expectations were that the Saskatoon Blades centre would be taken by the Los Angeles Kings or the Detroit Red Wings, both of whom extensively scouted Dach throughout this past season, with the fifth or sixth overall picks, respectively.

“I don’t know if there was one moment in time,” explained Chicago General Manager Stan Bowman with regards to when the decision was made to select Dach. “I think it was just evolution as we talked more and more about it. It just became clear that he was the right guy.”

For his part, you couldn’t wipe the smile off Dach’s face as the Blackhawks’ communications personnel whisked the 6’4″, 200-pounder to various areas of Rogers Arena to meet up with different people and become the face of the Draft for the Hawks.

“It’s pretty surreal,” beamed Dach to a large contingent of media. “I’m kind of at a loss for words at what just happened.”

Dach makes up for that by letting his play on the ice do the talking. He had 25 goals amongst 73 points in 62 regular-season games for the Bridge City Bunch this past season, then added five goals amongst eight points in 10 playoff games while ramping up his competitiveness in the post-season.

That was something that impressed the Blackhawks.

“He was great at the physical play when the (second round) series (against Prince Albert) got pretty intense in the playoffs,” said Bowman. “And, it was clear that he not only took it, but he gave it back. It was impressive to see him raise his game at the time of the year when it matters most.”

Dach becomes the 19th player from the Saskatoon Blades to be drafted in the first round, the 121st Blades’ player to be drafted into the N-H-L and the first Blade to be picked at the third overall spot since Curtis Leschyshyn was taken by the Quebec Nordiques in 1988. Dach is also the highest Chicago Blackhawks’ draft pick since Patrick Kane was picked first overall in 2007. Current Hawks’ captain Jonathon Toews was the last Chicago player drafted in the third overall spot, which was in 2006. In addition, Dach was the first Canadian-born player selected, the first C-H-L player chosen and the first of seven players from the W-H-L picked in the first round Friday night.

“It’s too early to tell,” answered Bowman when asked if he sees Dach becoming a Blackhawk regular next season. “I think we’re going to give him the opportunity, I’ll bring him to training camp and then, at that point, he’s just like every other player…he’s there to earn a spot on the team. I don’t want to put any expectations on it. I think he’s going to have a chance to make our team.”

Rounds two through seven of the N-H-L Draft resume Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Blades goaltender Nolan Maier and defenseman Emil Malysjev are both ranked by NHL Central Scouting and are eligible to be selected in the draft.