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Checking in on the Chicago Blackhawks top prospects as hockey season gets into full swing

By Ethan Gawronski |
Minnesota v Michigan State
Minnesota v Michigan State / Michael Miller/ISI Photos/GettyImages
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After a long offseason of waiting, hockey season is finally back in full swing.

The Chicago Blackhawks are entering the next phase in their rebuild, where they begin to take steps forward as a team. This offseason saw GM Kyle Davidson add many young players once again through the draft as he attempts to build the next era of Blackhawks' hockey.

Many had expected more prospects to make the team out of training camp this year, but that has not been the case. Most of the prospects expected to be fighting for a role in the NHL have begun the campaign with the Rockford IceHogs (AHL) where they can play important roles and become acclimated to life as a professional hockey player.

In contrast to the previous regime of management, Kyle Davidson has been adamant on utilizing the IceHogs as means for properly developing prospects instead of a placeholder for players who weren't quite ready yet.

The Blackhawks have one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL, and there will be many players to follow as the season continues on.

Let's take a look at how the Blackhawks' top prospects have faired in their seasons thus far.

In his AHL debut against the Grand Rapids Griffins, Kevin Korchinski quickly made an impact on the game.

The former seventh-overall pick was one player many were unsure about whether he would begin the season in Chicago or be sent to Rockford now that he is AHL eligible. He was sent to Rockford after the conclusion of the preseason to become a major part of the IceHogs and be able to play in all situations.

So far, Korchinski looks confident and poised in these early days of the season. Playing in the AHL allows him to play to his strengths while also ironing out inconsistencies in his game.

His goal, early in the second period, showcases his fluent skating ability as he uses his speed to take the puck end-to-end and score off his own rebound.

Another IceHogs player who made his stamp in the home opener was Colton Dach.

Dach played like a true power forward against Grand Rapids, he tallied a goal and a fight which earned him the title of first star of the game.

Late in the third period, Dach dropped the gloves with Red Wings 2022 eighth-overall pick Marco Kasper.

During the last two training camps, Dach has come close to getting a look in the NHL because of his style of play. He plays a mean game with natural scoring ability, though injuries have been his biggest hurdle in recent years.

If he continues to shine early this season, he could be a prime candidate to receive an NHL call-up.

Frank Nazar also began his AHL season with an assist in his debut, and is looking to be "the guy" for the IceHogs.

After his three-game stint with the Blackhawks last season, there was a legitimate argument that he was ready to contribute to the NHL. However, management took the same approach with the young forward as they have their defensemen.

The combination of speed and playmaking has made Nazar a threat at every level he's played as he looks to build a more complete game this season.

Nazar is expected to be one of the most replied upon players for Rockford this season as he will be able to play important minutes in all-situations.

Looking at prospects outside the AHL, the Blackhawks' duo from Minnesota has begun their season with respectable numbers.

Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel are two prospects who could very well sign their entry-level contract with the Blackhawks after this season concludes.

So far, the University of Minnesota has played two games and both prospects have found the scoresheet. Moore has tallied one assist while Rinzel has one goal and one assist.

Moore's offense is expected to go up as the season goes along as he is one of the top forwards on their roster.

What makes both players exciting is their skating ability. Moore is an elite skater who often can make a difference with just his speed alone. Rinzel also has a combination of size and fluent skating that has made is transition to the NCAA easier than many had expected.

It looks like both of these prospects are poised for another strong season and will be very interesting to watch for Blackhawks' fans.

Recent eighteenth-overall pick, Sacha Boisvert, began his collegiate career with a staple game for the University of North Dakota.

Boisvert tallied a goal and an assist in his debut for North Dakota, a strong opening game for the freshman first-round pick.

On his goal, Boisvert showcased his great shot as he rifled the puck from the top of the slot. His hockey IQ is one of his strongest attributes and his ability to recognize openings on the ice was showcased in his college debut.

It is unlikely Boisvert signs his rookie contract with the Blackhawks this season, but he already looks as though he is ready to take on a role in the NCAA which is a great sign for his development.

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