Chicago Blackhawks rising star rookie left off NHL starting lineup for 2024-25 season
Photo credit: The New York Times
Emerging Blackhawks defenseman faces crucial development season.
As the Chicago Blackhawks gear up for the 2024 NHL season, all eyes are on young defenseman Kevin Korchinski, whose fate hangs between another stint in the NHL and starting in the AHL.
Despite a promising show during the previous seasons, the roster projections suggest a competitive battle ahead for Korchinski.
Korchinski, who made the regular season lineup straight out of training camp in his debut year, faces a more challenging path this season.
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According to NHL Insider Ben Pope, while Korchinski is expected to make it back to the NHL roster eventually, he is unlikely to start the season there.
The Blackhawks' defensive lineup looks robust, featuring TJ Brodie and Alec Martinez as the second pairing behind stalwarts Seth Jones and Alex Vlasic, and with Wyatt Kaiser and Connor Murphy securing the third pair.
Meanwhile, Louis Crevier and Isaak Philips are contending for the 7th-D position, adding to the stiff competition.
"The Blackhawks' depth in defense poses a significant challenge for Korchinski to secure a spot right from the get-go," commented Ben Pope.
Korchinski's journey has been noteworthy. Drafted first-round in 2022, he bypassed a return to the WHL after an impressive nine-game stint convinced the Blackhawks management of his readiness for professional play.
However, his rookie season was a learning curve, totaling 15 points and displaying occasional hesitancy in taking shots. This hesitance led to him being benched several times throughout the season.
Sending him to the AHL, where most Blackhawks defensemen have historically refined their skills, seems like a promising step.
Korchinski's inability to join the AHL last season due to age restrictions meant he had to prove his mettle in 76 games during the 2023-2024 NHL season.
This upcoming season in the AHL could be a crucial developmental period for him, offering a chance to enhance both his offensive and defensive assertiveness.
The stakes are high for Korchinski as he aims to solidify his position within the Blackhawks' roster.
His progress in the AHL could well determine the trajectory of his professional career, underscoring the importance of this developmental phase.
| POLL | ||
27 AOUT | 23 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks rising star rookie left off NHL starting lineup for 2024-25 season Do you think Korchinski will develop better in the AHL? | ||
| Yes | 16 | 69.6 % |
| No | 7 | 30.4 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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