Blackhawks Connor Murphy makes surprising comments after linemate Kevin Korchinski was demoted to AHL
Connor Murphy feels guilty lately, as Kevin Korchinski was his partner during the 19-year-old's rookie season.
He spoke highly of the rookie, who unfortunately didn't make the team this season. The competition was fierce, as the Blackhawks brought in TJ Brodie and Alec Martinez, which shook the defensive core up.
This resulted in Murphy taking Korchinski's demotion personally, as he felt he shared some responsibility for the now 20-year-old being sent to the Rockford IceHogs.
Last season, he wasn't able to be sent to the AHL due to the defenseman being 19 and would have had to be returned to the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds. But after a season of seeing Korchinski's weaknesses, he was sent to the IceHogs in the hope he could improve.
Murphy played a half season for the Blackhawks due to injury and was Korchinski's main partner, on the defense last year. This limited his time with the Blackhawks rookie, which led to a lack of stability for Korchinski to develop.
This is a sign of humility which for Korchinski is promising for him when he does eventually show up in the NHL again, as Murphy and Korchinski had an excellent XG/60(expected goals) rating last season at 5v5, and like a double-edged sword the highest XGA/60(goals against) as well.
Korchsini's lack of a stable partner in his play may have stunted his development as he played with four defensive partners last season including Murphy.
It looks as if, Korchinski has had some struggles, but he still managed to play 76, games score 15 points( 5 G, 10 A), and made the transition from the juniors to the NHL quite well. While not perfect, the jump isn't always easy.
Korchinski may have some glaring issues in his game, but should he make the best use of his time he should come back a better defenseman, who could be elite in the future.
While this could be considered a demotion by many, it seems just another case of the Blackhawks making sure their prospects get the proper development they need. And because of the archaic rules, he wasn't able to be sent down to the AHL last season, perhaps something that needs to be addressed in the next CBA?
Source: The Hockey News
Murphy Felt "Partially Responsible" After Korchinski Didn't Make Blackhawks
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OCTOBRE 3 | 46 ANSWERS Blackhawks Connor Murphy makes surprising comments after linemate Kevin Korchinski was demoted to AHL Do you think Connor Murphy is responsible for Kevin Korchinski's lack of development in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 10 | 21.7 % |
| No | 36 | 78.3 % |
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