When Could These 5 Chicago Blackhawks Prospects Make the Jump to the NHL?

Artyom Levhsunov has been a topic of discussion lately amongst Blackhawks' fans, though some of those worries are premature.

Last week, Artyom Levhsunov was held out of a Rockford IceHogs (AHL) game as a healthy scratch. This resulted in fans worried about his play and wondering if the Blackhawks' took the right player second-overall in the draft, though it turned out he was scratched due to being late for a team meeting and the coaching staff wanting to send a message (subscription required).

Levshunov's 11 points in 31 AHL games has left some wanting more from the young defender and expecting much higher production. The 19-year-old is still very raw in his development and shows traits of being a top-pair defenseman, but that transition will not happen overnight.

The Blackhawks are treating Levhsunov like every other young defender and giving him the chance to round out his game in Rockford in all situations. Given the recent success of this development staff getting more out of young defensemen, there is good reason to believe Levshunov will be just fine in the long run.

Though he might need another full season in the AHL, Levshunov could be ready for meaningful NHL minutes come the 2026-27 season or even sooner.

Kevin Korchinski's time in Chicago proved that was not year ready for NHL action, but has taken strides this year in Rockford.

A season playing top minutes in the AHL has benefitted Korchinski and allowed him to play in situations he likely would not see in the NHL.

His 15 points in 27 games has allowed him to stay true to his more offensive-minded game, while also becoming stronger defensively.

Fans got to see Korchinski for a nine-game stint before the holidays where he recorded zero points, but the biggest takeaway was the difference in poise he shows now as opposed to last season. Korchinski is learning to use his size and speed to his advantage more at both ends of the ice and looked like a completely different player doing so.

With the way his season has gone, there is an argument that Korchinski could be ready to come back up and play for the Blackhawks right now. Though, the organization seems content letting him grow even more for the rest of the season and he should be more than ready to return to Chicago full-time next season.