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

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.