Blackhawks roster developments: Korchinski's standing, Bedard's return, standouts & more

The Chicago Blackhawks are heading into their ninth game of the season tonight (Oct. 17) against the Dallas Stars and there is a lot to recap from the first handful of games.

From standout rookie to captain Connor Bedard's return to big wins, here is a recap of all the happenings.

The latest content from Blackhawk Up

• Rookie Roman Kantserov has three goals in his last three games, which is tied for second on the Blackhawks. Justin Lynch explains why Kantserov is in a great position to succeed moving forward.

• Justin also explained how captain Connor Bedard's return can help turn their season around. He was very much missed in more ways than one in the first six games.

• Speaking of rookies, Anton Frondell currently leads NHL rookies in scoring with six points in eight games. Jeff Maroon details what has gone into his fast start with the Blackhawks.

• Jeremiah Lee highlighted the positives and negatives from their big win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. There are things to keep an eye on for the team moving forward.

• The Blackhawks have had some big results lately, including a two-game winning streak. Gail Kauchak keeps us the scoop on the important games. Including Connor Bedard's return helping his team to beat the Penguins 5-3, and the Blackhawks 4-3 overtime win against the Winnipeg Jets, which included a historic milestone for Patrick Kane.

• Gail also gives a look at other areas of the team, including Frank Nazar being put at third-line center, Bowen Byram's upper-body injury, and more.

• Ryan Gagne highlighted some statistics pointing to a slower start for goaltender Spencer Knight in his first five games. His phenomenal performance against the Winnipeg Jets put him right back on track in his sixth game.

• Even though Bowen Byram is currently out with an injury, Jacob Tye expounded on him being in X-factor against Pittsburgh.

• Lastly, I highlight what's next for Nick Lardis after he was sent to the Rockford IceHogs.

And the Blackhawks' depth has been impressive during their two-game winning streak, with multiple players recording points. It will be so important for them if they are to keep the streak going.

The Kevin Korchinski lineup question

Another significant story happening on the team is surrounding defenseman Kevin Korchinski because he has only played in one game so far this season (against the Buffalo Sabres on Oct. 3), and with Byram considered day-to-day, head coach Jeff Blashill opted to go with Ethan Del Mastro over Korchinski against the Jets.

It brings uncertainty of when Korchinski will get in the lineup next.

Head coach Jeff Blashill was asked on Oct. 16 what his message has been to Korchinski, "I just think he's got to stay with it, and just practice hard and be great in practice every day."

He was also asked whether it is harder for Korchinski to break into the lineup, being that extra defenseman. "You're in a hard position, 100 percent, and you got to find a way to again... most importantly from a self perspective is put yourself in a position to jump through that window of opportunity, and that's super hard to do, and I think it's easy to get frustrated. It's probably easy to wonder when that opportunity's gonna come, and then bam, before you know it, it's there. I know you're ready. And I mean, there's been lots of stories in sports where that's happened... He's got to be ready. It's a hard league, though. You have to put yourself in position to be successful and be ready for it."

Korchinski will get another shot, but when is still to be determined. He is a tough case because you want to see a 22 year old defenseman get playing time to allow him to prove himself, especially after he had a strong preseason. The situation is made more complicated because they can't just send him to Rockford for playing time; he would have to clear waivers first.

It's a predicament all around, and it's not sustainable for either side.

The Blackhawks have four games left in their seven-game homestand and there will be a lot more coverage to come. We will be sure to keep you up to date at Blackhawk Up!

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