Kevin Korchinski's absence from the Blackhawks is noticeable

When the Chicago Blackhawks drafted Kevin Korchinski seventh overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, I don't think many fans expected the team's two later first-round picks to make an impact on the club before Korchinski.

The Blackhawks' first five games have been surprisingly electric. The team looks tougher, with players playing physical, and each night the Blackhawks appear poised to win or, at the very least, give their best effort with confidence.

The Blackhawks of last season were not this good, and in large part, Frank Nazar has been a saving grace. Nazar is tied for the team lead with six points and has scored two big goals along the way.

On the blue line, rookie Sam Rinzel has a goal and is second on the team in ice time with 20:40—behind only Alex Vlasic with 21:07. Rinzel has quickly turned into a candidate to be the next top defenseman in Chicago. With his size and skill, he is a real force to be reckoned with on the ice.

Both Rinzel and Nazar have something in common—they were drafted after Korchinski in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft. Nazar went 13th overall and Rinzel was 25th.

Kevin Korchinski's absence is noticeable on the Blackhawks.

This Blackhawks' roster is filled with excitement. Connor Bedard and Nazar are turning into the new Toews and Kane before fans' eyes, Wyatt Kaiser is becoming a beast on the Blackhawks' blue line, and Spencer Knight is proving that the Florida Panthers were wrong to give up on a goaltender who could have been their starter when Sergei Bobrovsky hangs up his skates.

The Blackhawks can afford to take their time with Korchinski's development, but his absence when so many other young studs make their way in the NHL is a bit jarring. Everyone's development is different, and the Blackhawks have been quick to say just that when it comes to Korchinski—but that doesn't mean Korchinski has all the time in the world.

In his first two games with the Rockford IceHogs, Korchinski has an assist and two shots on goal. Hopefully he can light up the AHL this season and earn a callup to the NHL squad before the end of the season. Otherwise, a Blackhawks' blue line filled with size may have to move on from the former first-round pick.