Early reactions to the Chicago Blackhawks defensive pairings in training camp

Third Defensive Pairing: Kevin Korchinski and Louis Crevier

This pairing led some fans questioning if this means Korchinski is going to start the season in Rockford.

Now that Korchinski is eligible to play in the AHL, there has been belief that it will be beneficial for him to spend time with the IceHogs to help round out his game. The staff down in Rockford has done very well developing defensemen as of late, and could do the same with Korchinski.

Unless he proves that he needs time in the AHL, Korchinski should likely be on the Blackhawks' roster to start the season. It is also still very early in camp, so things may change.

Louis Crevier is going to be in Rockford again this season, and will possibly get called-up for a few games. He has looked decent when called up and looks like a solid call-up option for the future as well.

Fourth Defense Pairing: Alex Vlasic and TJ Brodie

After Alex Vlasic's standout rookie season, he established himself as a part of the future in Chicago. The hometown kid earned himself a 6-year extension in the offseason and looks to build off his rookie campaign.

The 23-year old is a strong defender who is developing his game to be more physical and more effective on offense. He showed last season that he is more than capable of playing at the NHL level, and is a true top-four defender on this Blackhawks' roster.

TJ Brodie was added in the offseason on a two-year contract after playing in Toronto for the past four seasons. The veteran defender is coming off a down season and is looking to bounce back in a lesser role with the Blackhawks.

On paper, this should be a shutdown pair for the Blackhawks. Both players are sound in the defensive zone and block shots very well. It would be no surprise if Vlasic is paired back with Jones at some point in the season, but this pair does give the team a shutdown pair if they choose to go that route.