Morning Chirps: Korchinski heads to Rockford, Reichel rumors intensify

The Chicago Blackhawks will be back on the ice later today as they have just two practices and two exhibition games left before training camp ends. Plus, a Central Division rival signs the richest contract in National Hockey League history. Here are your Hump Day Chirps!

Blackhawks Chirps

• The Blackhawks lost 3-1 to the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night. Check out my Postgame Musings for my take on the top six, the defensive roster battles, Colton Dach’s confidence, and more! I was also joined by my pals on the CHGO Blackhawks Podcast, where we broke it all down.

• Kevin Korchinski was reassigned to the Rockford IceHogs after Tuesday's practice. While it’s disappointing he’s not ready to start the season in the NHL, this move certainly isn’t the end of the world either. He’ll get to play big minutes in Rockford and in all situations. The way general manager Kyle Davidson spoke about Korchinski on the first day of training camp, his demotion is not a big surprise.

"He’s still very much in the developmental stage of his career. If he shows he’s ready for the NHL, then he’ll be here. If there are some things we feel he needs to work on and continue to grow and play really big minutes, and in every situation, then Rockford’s available to us. Again, it's not a step back. "

Kyle Davidson on Kevin Korchinsku

Frank Seravalli of Bleacher Report gave an update yesterday on the status of Lukas Reichel. His sources indicate that the Blackhawks are working on moving Reichel before the start of the regular season next week. He believes there will not be a big return, like another young player needing a change of scenery, but more like a mid- or late-round draft pick.

• On this date in 1997, current assistant general manager Norm Maciver scored the game-winning goal in the Phoenix Coyotes’ 6-2 win over the Blackhawks. Bob Probert and Sergei Krivokrasov scored for the Blackhawks as they started the 1997-98 season with seven straight losses.

• In 2013, the Blackhawks raised their second Stanley Cup banner in four years to a sellout crowd at the United Center. After the festivities, they started their title defense with a 6-4 victory over the Washington Capitals. Brandon Bollig had the first goal of the season, while Johnny Oduya scored the game-winner late in the third period.

• Blackhawks Birthday Roll Call, Oct. 1: Cliff Koroll, Igor Ulanov, Alexei Zhamnov, Mile Maneluk, and Johnny Oduya.

NHL Chirps

• The Minnesota Wild signed star winger Kirill Kaprizov to the largest contract in NHL history. His massive eight-year contract extension is worth a total of $136 million ($17 million AAV). Personally, I think this is an overpay. The 28-year-old is a dynamic player, but he has yet to play 82 games in a season. While he is a great player, he’s not the best in the league, as his salary dictates. The back half of this deal might not look very good, but if they win while he’s in his prime, it will be less painful. But, when you’re owner goes on record saying you’ll pay Kaprizov whatever it takes, you end up giving him more than you probably should have.

• It wasn’t all good news for the Wild today. The team confirmed that veteran forward Mats Zuccarello will miss at least seven to eight weeks with the lower-body injury that has kept him out of all of training camp.

• TSN’s Chris Johnston reported that Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid is not interested in signing an eight-year deal like Karpizov. He’d rather sign a shorter contract between two and four years.

• Speaking of contract extensions, if Jason Robertson is going to get one with the Dallas Stars, it will have to wait until after the season. The discussions on a new deal have stalled. Robertson told reporters that he’s not worried about a new deal and he’s focused on the “important year” ahead for the team.

• Four former Blackhawks were placed on waivers Tuesday: Josiah Slavin (Hurricanes), Matt Tomkins (Oilers), Matthew Highmore (Islanders), and Isaak Phillips (Jets).

• NHL Birthday Roll Call, Oct.1: Doug Young, Cliff Ronning, Scott Young, Mats Lingren, Denis Gauthier, Justin Dowling, and Alex Chiasson.