Chicago Blackhawks to complete challenging move: sending top prospect down to AHL's Ice Hogs

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Joshua Deeds
August 24, 2024 (9:56)

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Will the Chicago Blackhawks have to make a tough move next season, after acquiring Alec Martinez and TJ Brodie?

As a result of the offseason philosophy, Kyle Davidson has stated many prospects who got major playtime in 2023-2024 will have to outcompete veterans for a spot in the lineup.

This could result in Kevin Korchinski being sent down to Rockford and playing in the AHL next season.

Korchinski is one of the Blackhawk's top prospects, selected 7th overall in 2022, and was a key piece of the Seattle Thunderbirds WHL championship-winning lineup.

He would win a spot on the regular lineup after training camp in 2023, and spent the entire season on the roster, as a 19-year-old. This was due to the fact he couldn't be sent down to the AHL, as a 19-year and would have to be returned to the WHL.

While not a disappointment in 2023-2024, his lack of NHL seasoning showed, as sometimes he got outworked on the ice, and looked like a rookie defender. Despite getting better as the season progressed, would he benefit from spending a season in the AHL?

Rockford would be a great place for Korchinski to develop as many of the team's prospects have been a positive development for the Blackhawk's defense prospects. You can see the results in Alex Vlasic's season in 2023. Wyatt Kaiser, Ethan Del Mastro, and Nolan Allan have also progressed in Rockford as well.

In the AHL he could play an important role in Rockford and get a chance to play on the top-pair and in all situations on ice. A beneficial idea for sure. A season in Rockford could hone his edge some more and add more needed aggression to his game.

But could he end up spending the beginning of the season in the NHL? The team and Korchinski would already know what parts of his game need work, he could make another leap forward on an improved Blackhawks roster.

Alec Martinez and TJ Brodie could offer mentorship for the sophomore defenseman, and allow Korchinski to gain more confidence offensively this season too.

You just have to remember, that defensemen take longer to develop and no rookie development path is alike. He will have bad nights, and having TJ Brodie and Alec Martinez could help shorten development time as well.

Source:: Blackhawk Up
Where should Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Kevin Korchinski play this season?