Entering August, several roster questions surround the Chicago Blackhawks. Based on roster projections, some of the significant questions surround the defense primarily because it is a toss-up as to who will make the opening night roster.
When examining the defense, one of the more peculiar situations involves Kevin Korchinski. The former top 10 pick will enter next year as the “underdog” and is one to watch.
Is Korchinski Getting Overlooked?
To recap, Korchinski was drafted seventh overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, and his traits are favorable for a defenseman: over six feet tall, a fluid skater, and top-notch offensive instincts.
However, as is widely known, the 21-year-old’s development was different because of his age. Due to the CHL and NHL agreement, Korchinski could not start with the Rockford IceHogs because he was 19 during the 2023-24 season, and needed to be 20 to go to the AHL.
Therefore, Korchinski was forced to either start with the Chicago Blackhawks or get sent back to the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL (Western Hockey League). Neither the WHL nor NHL option was “perfect,” but they chose to keep him in Chicago. However, hindsight is 20/20. He struggled in the NHL, and when it came to last season, he spent most of it in Rockford. As former head coach Luke Richardson said about him starting in Rockford, “We don’t want him to struggle here as a young defenseman. We want him to go and flourish down there just like what the organization saw when they drafted him.”
He did flourish with the IceHogs. He had 27 points in 56 games, was the team leader in points from defensemen, was named to the AHL All-Star Game, and even won MVP at the All-Star Challenge. It’s exactly what the Blackhawks hoped to see.
During his two NHL call-ups throughout the season, he experienced peaks and valleys, but seeing his success in Rockford generated more optimism about what he could bring to the Blackhawks’ blue line in the future.
But with other defensemen emerging, is he being overlooked?
Where Does Korchinski Fit?
When Korchinski was drafted, there were discussions about him potentially being a top defenseman. Now, the conversation is surrounding where he now fits on the defense.
The fact that Artyom Levshunov, Sam Rinzel, Ethan Del Mastro, and Wyatt Kaiser made an impression on the organization suggests that Korchinski is becoming an underdog in the pipeline. He is still considered a top prospect,…
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