Chicago Blackhawks Player Grades: How Was Kevin Korchinski's Rookie Campaign?

Korchinski's Season In Review

Going into this season, the Blackhawks were expected to have a lot of rookies on their blue line. Korchinski and Alex Vlasic were expected to make the team out of camp, following them were Wyatt Kaiser, Ethan Del Mastro, Louis Crevier, and Isaak Phillips all getting stints in the NHL this season. With injuries becoming a major roadblock for the Blackhawks, the young defensemen were all put in positions where they played in key situations whether they were ready for it or not.

This was the case with Korchinski, as he was given sheltered minutes on the third defensive pair to start the season so he could ease into NHL action without being overwhelmed. He quickly found himself consistently on the team's second pair behind Alex Vlasic, leading to him averaging over 19 minutes a night in 76 games played.

Korchinski was frequently partnered with Jaycob Megna throughout a large chunk of the season after Connor Murphy was placed on the injured reserve. Ideally, Korchinski should have been alongside Murphy for the whole season, whose defensive play and aggressiveness would have complimented the young puck-moving defender.

As a waiver pickup, Megna did his job and was given more responsibility in Chicago due to Murphy's absence, but having a steadier partner would have benefitted Korchinski.

Blackhawks Head Coach Luke Richardson emphasized Korchinski needing to be more physical and aggressive in games which he showed more as the season reached the final few games. His season had some highs and lows which are expected from a young defenseman in their first season. Korchinski's skating is a highlight of his game and was showcased when joining the rush into the offensive zone. He finished this season with 15 points in 76 games.