Kevin Korchinski Leads Blackhawks Emerging Group of D-Men

Connor Bedard isn't the only Chicago rookie who is expected to have a long-term impact on rebuilding franchise.

Connor Bedard may embody the Blackhawks' – even the the NHL's — newest offensive bling, but Chicago's backline is looking brighter and shinier too.

Kevin Korchinski, a rangy 19-year-old defenseman, is the most highly rated in a group of young blueliners that's expected to help lift rebuilding Chicago from the league's depths over the next couple of seasons.

And beyond Korchinski, Chicago's first of three first-round draft picks (seventh overall) in 2022, the promising rearguards fall into two groups at the team's 2023 training camp. 

Korchinksi signed a three-year entry level pro contract over the summer. But because the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native is only 19, he must either remain with the Blackhawks or return to Seattle. The rule is in place to keep pro teams from poaching 19-year-olds from any of the three CHL leagues.

At 6-foot-3 and 187 pounds, Korchinski looks stronger and "more like man" ready to handle NHL play, according to Anders Sorensen, coach of the AHL Rockford Ice Hogs.

Korchinski confirmed he added muscle to be able to "get greasy against the stronger guys."

But Korchinksi is a quick, smooth skater who naturally gravitates toward an offensive game. His biggest adjustment won't be physical, but reading how and when to jump into a rush — or even leading one has he could in the WHL where he had 11 goals and 62 assists in 54 games in 2022-23.

Coach Luke Richardson and staff have already addressed it with Korchinski, telling the defenseman to "let the game come to him" and then let his speed do the talking. Now Korchinski needs to apply the lessons.

"You don't want to do anything too risky," Korchinski said Friday. "Just try to move the puck into the forwards' hands. At this level, you don't really have to do it all yourself. We have unbelievable players all over. You just let them do what they're great at.

"It's kind of reading what's the good time when you can create an odd-man rush or something like that, contrary to just kind of joining for no reason," he added. "Just in the games not being too dumb like that and trying to play it smart." 

Korchinski also is focusing on using his quickness and skill to close gaps and force turnovers under Richardson's "defend fast" mantra to get the puck back ASAP. 

"I feel very confident in that," Korchinski said. "Using my stick and putting pressure on the guys with the puck or putting a (opposing) forward in a spot where he's uncomfortable."

Korchinski again been paired with 10-year veteran Connor Murphy at the start of camp and has been trying to soak up tips from the 30-year-old. Murphy's impressed with the Korchinski's abilities.

"He's got such a quickness and knack for plays with the puck," Murphy said. "He really stood out for us (in camp) last year, so it would be cool for him to make strides again this year... and let me be a slower guy behind him and let him skate with the puck."