Luke Richardson reveals major lineup changes hitting the Blackhawks

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Joshua Deeds
July 11, 2024 (7:26 PM)

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GM Kyle Davidson did his best to improve the Blackhawks as a team, bringing in some veteran talent.

Of course, for a rebuilding roster this was intentional as the Blackhawks don't intend to give out roster spots like in 2023.

The team finished 31st in the rankings and the team hopes the youngsters can come away from the season, with lessons learned. Some youngsters did struggle, as Kyle Davidson has a new philosophy:

That's not going to happen two years in a row as Davidson said "we've created some competition around roles. That's what we said we wanted to do after the season."

No young player is just going to be given a spot on the team and "the young guys are going to have to be convincing in doing so (taking a spot on the team)," Davidson said. "We don't want to give them a spot and then after a month or so it's just not working out and we had to clear someone out to clear a spot for them and we can't get that player back."

While this is expected for the majority of Blackhawks rookies, Calder Trophy winner Connor Bedard is excluded.

But players like Kevin Korchinski will have to earn a spot on the roster, and were able to play in the NHL, due to the fact he was 19 and unable to go to the AHL. But now, he's capable of being sent down, he'll have to compete with a veteran for a role.

Also, Korchisnki, Ethan Del Mastro, Nolan Allen, Louis Crevier, Isaak Philips, and Wyatt Kaiser will be battling it out with Alec Martinez and Tj Brodie for spots in the lineup.

The young players have to help elevate the team to win a role, and have to carve out their niche on ice.

This new standard extends to forwards like Lukas Reichel, Frank Nazar, Landon Slaggert, and Joey Anderson.

There should be no doubt that competition will be fierce, but will also allow the Blackhawks to let prospects continue to develop in the AHL should they not be able to secure a role from a veteran, who the team wants to protect from waivers.

The Blackhawks should be a better team for this, and will hopefully learn from their past mistakes and put them on a winning path.

Source: The Hockey News
Kevin Korchinski and Young Players "Have to Be Convincing" in Earning Spots on Blackhawks Next Season