The Chicago Blackhawks have a lot of good young defensemen in the organization. They believe that a lot of them could help them in some way, shape, or form. One of them is Kevin Korchinski was a first-round pick (7th overall) made by Chicago in 2022.
Korchinski spent his entire rookie season in the NHL. As an offensive-minded defenseman, he had 5 goals and 10 assists for 15 points in 76 games.
To develop his all-around game, the Hawks have had him mostly play in the AHL this season. That seems to be working as he had an AHL All-Star-worthy first half.
His defense still needs work but he has 2 goals and 16 assists for 18 points through 34 games played. Korchinski also played 9 NHL games this season, he didn’t record a point but he looked much more comfortable.
In the big All-Star event, Kevin Korchinski scored the shootout-winning goal to give Team Central the victory. That shootout goal went with a goal and three assists throughout the night for Korchinski.
This effort earned him All-Star Game MVP. That’s an incredible thing to earn at the early stages of a pro hockey career. He’d like to be playing in the NHL by this time next year but this experience is great for him and his resume.
Now that this is done, Korchinski should be motivated for the rest of the season. He’s a good player and was recognized as the best in the AHL for a night. That’s great to do if you’re trying to make it to the NHL full-time.
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