Introduction to the Blackhawks’ Defensive Roster Battle
The Chicago Blackhawks’ defensive roster battle has taken an interesting turn with the assignment of young defenseman Kevin Korchinski to the American Hockey League (AHL). This move, although somewhat expected, has raised questions about Korchinski’s development and his future with the team.
Background on Kevin Korchinski’s Assignment
When the Blackhawks assigned Korchinski to Rockford on Oct. 2 last year, it was big news. However, when they did so again on Tuesday, it was rather predictable. The only surprise was the timing of the move, which came before their fourth preseason game, a 3-1 loss to the Red Wings. The Hawks are being patient with Korchinski, whom they drafted seventh overall in 2022, knowing that many defensemen don’t reach their primes until they’re much older than 21 years old.
Concerns About Korchinski’s Development
Considering Korchinski played in 76 NHL games — albeit 76 chaotic, inconsistent games — as a rookie in 2023-24, it is somewhat concerning that he now falls squarely in the AHL group of the Hawks’ camp roster two years later. Forward Frank Nazar was sent to Rockford alongside Korchinski last year and has developed a lot more than Korchinski has in the time since. Korchinski’s lack of physical strength helps explain why the Hawks are comfortable letting equally inconsistent young defenseman Artyom Levshunov develop in the NHL but don’t feel comfortable letting Korchinski do that.
Coach Jeff Blashill’s Comments on the Assignment
Coach Jeff Blashill said the Hawks would send down some guys who ‘‘are capable of being NHL defensemen this year’’ and ‘‘equal to some of the guys who are here.’’ Later, Blashill also noted Korchinski will be called up for one more preseason appearance this weekend. ‘‘It’s not like in youth hockey, where you either make the team or you don’t,’’ Blashill said. ‘‘Other guys are going to get mixed in and out of this.’’
Sam Rinzel’s Performance
Rookie defenseman Sam Rinzel has a stranglehold on the quarterback role of the top power-play unit. And his ultra-early results there generally have been promising, even though the Hawks’ power play went 0-for-6 against the Red Wings. He’s an antidote for stagnation, keeping everyone in the group moving their feet with his constant shiftiness at the point, and his offseason work on getting shots through traffic has been evident. However, Wings forward Jonatan Berggren taught Rinzel a lesson about NHL strength and awareness at the end of one power-play shift, coming out of the box to body Rinzel off the puck in the Hawks’ defensive zone and set up a goal.
Ethan Del Mastro’s Struggles and Nolan Allan’s Innovation
Young defenseman Ethan Del Mastro’s preseason-long struggles continued, as well. Veteran tryout Matt Grzelcyk didn’t do much of note in his 13 minutes, but Del Mastro’s miscues might be paving Grzelcyk’s road to a contract nonetheless. Grzelcyk’s only other competitor for the No. 6 defenseman role is Nolan Allan, who didn’t dress against the Red Wings but likely will get one more shot this weekend. Allan’s physicality is an asset, but the question always has been whether he’s mobile enough for the NHL. At home this summer in Saskatchewan, he tried a new training device to help with that: DriBlades, skate blades designed to be worn on rubber gym floors.
Conclusion
The Blackhawks’ defensive roster battle has tightened with Korchinski’s assignment to the AHL. While Korchinski’s development is a concern, the team is being patient and giving him time to grow. The performance of other defensemen, such as Rinzel and Allan, will be crucial in determining the final roster. As the preseason comes to a close, the Hawks will have to make some tough decisions about who will make the cut.
FAQs
Q: Why was Kevin Korchinski assigned to the AHL?
A: Korchinski was assigned to the AHL due to his lack of physical strength and inconsistent play.
Q: Who is competing for the No. 6 defenseman role?
A: Matt Grzelcyk and Nolan Allan are competing for the No. 6 defenseman role.
Q: What is DriBlades, and how does it help Nolan Allan?
A: DriBlades is a training device that allows Allan to practice skating and stride recovery off the ice, helping him improve his mobility and strength.
Q: How has Sam Rinzel performed in the preseason?
A: Rinzel has performed well, particularly on the power play, but was taught a lesson about NHL strength and awareness by Jonatan Berggren.
Q: What is the significance of Korchinski’s assignment to the AHL?
A: Korchinski’s assignment to the AHL indicates that the team is being patient with his development and giving him time to grow, but it also raises concerns about his future with the team.
