Blackhawks' Former 1st-round pick Shows Improvement in First NHL Game of the season

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Joshua Deeds
December 11, 2024 (12:01)

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The Chicago Blackhawks sent Kevin Korchinski down to the AHL to mature at the start of the season. It looks as if his hard work is paying off after last night's game.

Injuries open up opportunities for rookies and prospects, and Alec Martinez's neck injury may have been the catalyst for Kevin Korchinski.

Last night during the 2-1 win against the New York Rangers he played a solid defensive game. He played 20 shifts against the Blueshirts, and 4 had shots on goal, 1 takeaway, and played 16:54 TOI, including 1:26 PP TOI.

He was able to take advantage of the night and show his worth to the Blackhawks organization. His time spent in the AHL has allowed him to figure out how to fill out his role in the big leagues this year.

His play against Artemi Panarin, showed a massive improvement in play, as Panarin attacked Korchinski after an interception. Korchinski rather than just skating along with Panarin, broke up the play by pushing the winger to the perimeter and utilized his stick to neutralize the former Blackhawk.

Sorensen complimented his play in a glowing review.

«He has settled down defensively,» Sorensen said. «He's steadier back there; he plays his position much better now. The biggest thing for him is, [since] we drafted him as an offensive defenseman, we want him to utilize his strengths in those areas.»

His play last night has given him another shot on the ice this week, as we'll see him suit up against the New York Islanders on Thursday. While we have to keep in mind, that Korchinski's time in the NHL may be short with Martinez day-to-day, there's no telling how this stint could turn out for the former 7th overall pick in 2022.

The Hawks sent him to the AHL at the end of training camp to give him time to build up his confidence and rediscover the dynamic, fearless playing style that made him the No. 7 overall pick two years ago. He had been doing exactly that, and he expected to continue doing so for most - if not all - of this season.

He'll now have to go shopping for clothes, as he had only packed for the week! Imagine the surprise, as Sorensen has given Korchinski more trust and responsibility seeing him through the process in Rockford, and now being an anchor here in Chicago.

"[Anders] loves the 'D' jumping up, trying to get aggressive,» Korchinski said before the game. «It was awesome for the two months he was the head coach in Rockford. We learned a lot and were getting on a good roll there. It's awesome to see him up here, and I know he's going to be a great coach.

«Playing in Rockford, I was using my feet, skating [and] trying to make plays. Hopefully tonight, I'll play the same way and help the team win and showcase what got me here.»

This time Korchinski was the option as a call-up after the Blackhawks saw his hard work in Rockford. He's shown his fearlessness on the ice, jumping in on the rush against the Rangers, and attempting to craft a play with Pat Maroon which could've tipped it past Shesty.

While Korchinski may not have made an impact offensively, he's demonstrated his improved defensive capabilities and will get another look against the New York Islanders, and Brock Nelson on Thursday.