The Blackhawks Make Major Changes to the lineup in Kevin Korchinski's absence
The Chicago Blackhawks made a significant cut to the roster yesterday which sent two former 1st-round picks to the AHL.
One of which was Frank Nazar, which we could've expected to be sent down, as the Blackhawks have a full offensive core. With the addition of Tyler Bertuzzi, and Teuvo Teraveinen, the roster spots weren't up for grabs.
But one we didn't expect, was Kevin Korchinski was selected in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft. Last season he played 76 games for the Blackhawks, scoring 15 points( 5 G, 10 A), and was a key piece on the top power-play unit for some time last season.
Now with his new home being the AHL for a while, they have placed Alex Vlasic on power-play duties in his absence.
Instead of Korchinski quarterbacking the power play, Vlasic has taken up the responsibilities.
Vlasic's not been utilized much on the power-playing during his career with the Blackhawks.
Vlasic had just one goal in all of February, but he's already picked up a pair of helpers over three games in March. The defenseman doesn't typically see much power-play time, but he was on the ice at the tail end of one and was able to help out on Jason Dickinson's second-period tally. Vlasic is at 13 points, 52 shots on net, 43 hits, 109 blocked shots and a minus-6 rating over 56 appearances in a top-four role this season.
Source: CBS Sports
Blackhawks' Alex Vlasic: Helps out on power play
This assignment may be out of the normal for the Blackhawks and Vlasic, as he will have to grow into the role.
But this is only another reason for Vlasic to expand his game, and become more valuable, while Korchinski is developing in the AHL.
The Illinois-born defenseman, played 76 games for the Blackhawks last season scoring 16 points( 2 G, 14 A), and added 56 hits as well.
