The Chicago Blackhawks made a controversial lineup decision moments before the NHL regular season began and that was sending down 19-year old freshmen defensemen Kevin Korchinski.
Korchinski spent his first year of his entry level contract in the NHL with the �big dogs', the Chicago Blackhawks, where most 19-year old spend their first years of their pro career in the AHL.
Many aren't aware, or know, the reasoning behind Korchinski's send down at such young age with so much potential, many are left confused.
Hundreds of Blackhawk fans voiced their frustration following the send-down of Korchinski, which occurred last week, before the regular season started. It's now quite evident as to why many were left furious, as Korchinski just scored a highlight-reel goal in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs.
In the Rockford IceHogs' opening night game, Korchinski scored the teams second goal of the night against the Grand Rapids Griffins, the Detroit Red Wings' AHL organization.
The Blackhawks decided to send Korchinski down to the AHL while savouring 38+ year old veterans on their blue line, while a fresh defensemen like Korchinski, were pushed aside from head coach Luke Richardson's plans for the 2024-25 season.
What are the Blackhawks plans moving forward?
It was addressed by general manager Kyle Davidson, prior to the start of the 2024-25 season, that the goal is to �win now' and do whatever it takes to turn the organization into what it once was. Davidson, alongside Luke Richardson, have made several high-end moves to solidify their perspective on �winning now' including the acquisition of Tyler Bertuzzi, Alec Martinez and multiple other veterans.
The Blackhawks organization themselves even felt the need to repost the video of Korchinski's highlight-reel goal:
POLL | ||
Do you think Kevin Korchinski could take the roster spot of a Blackhawks veteran on the NHL roster? | ||
Yes | 201 | 78.2 % |
No | 56 | 21.8 % |
List of polls |