Blackahwks release Kirby Dach to team Canada for World Junior Championships

This just in according to a report from TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger, the Chicago Blackhawks have released forward Kirby Dach to team Canada for the upcoming World Junior Championships selection camp.

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The 19 year old 3rd overall selection from the 2019 NHL Entry Draft put up an impressive eight goals and 23 points in his rookie NHL season and is expected to be a big part of Canada's squad at the World Juniors this holiday season. Dach was eligible to be a part of Canada's gold medal winning team in 2020, but because he was playing so well with the Blackhawks, the team elected to keep him in the NHL. With so much uncertainty about when the 2021 NHL season will officially start though, it makes sense for the Blackhawks to release him this time around.

As for the tournament, the puck officially drops on the 2021 World Junior Championships on Christmas Day from the bubble at Edmonton's Rogers Place. With many reports indicating that the NHL won't be ready until February, this year's World Junior tournament could feature some SERIOUS talent. Don't be surprised if top picks like Alexis Lafrieniere, Quinton Byfield, Jack Hughes and Kaapo Kakko are also made eligible.