Where should Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Kevin Korchinski play this season?

Option One: Starting the season in Rockford

The decision of where Kevin Korchinski will play this season will ultimately depend on how he looks in training camp. He is one of the most talented players in the organization, but management could see the benefit of sending him to the IceHogs for the season's start.

The recent history of the Blackhawks' development of young defensemen in Rockford has brought good results.

Alex Vlasic is the highlight of the group after his stellar rookie season with the Blackhawks, as he was given a full season as Rockford's top defender the year prior. Wyatt Kaiser, Ethan Del Mastro, and Nolan Allan all have progressed well in Rockford's system and all look like potential NHL options.

If Korchinski is sent to the AHL, he will get the opportunity to play top-pair and in every situation for the IceHogs. Playing in Rockford will give him the chance to take chances as well seeing as the league is more forgiving than the NHL.

Playing in all situations could be a great way to round out Korchinski's game in an environment where the stakes are not as high. Defensemen normally take a little longer than forward to develop and a big part of that is getting acclimated to the professional game.

Korchinski put a lot of work into his play without the puck last season and showed more aggressiveness toward the end of the season. A season with the IceHogs could give him the chance to polish that side of his game even more even if it is for a short time before returning to the NHL.