The Chicago Blackhawks are going through a slight injury blurb as they play out the string. Oliver Moore’s season is all but confirmed to be over, while new arrival Andrew Mangiapane missed games recently.
A pair of defensemen joined the list this week in 2024 No. 2 pick Artyom Levshunov and veteran Matthew Grzelcyk, both of whom are out for the season.
“It sucks, Grzelcyk has been awesome, unbelievable teammate, unbelievable leader in a quiet way but the leadership he provided for us, it sucks he can’t play and continue to showcase his ability,” Hawks coach Jeff Blashill said. “Then with (Levshunov), it takes away some opportunities for his growth.
“Unfortunately, it is what it is. That’s part of life and so you just have to grind through it and hopefully he can learn by observing as well.”
Injuries are never a good thing, but in this case they open the door for other defenseman to audition for next year. This season’s for growth, after all.
Ethan Del Mastro was recalled from Rockford on March 3, while Kevin Korchinski was elevated Sunday. In the wake of the other defensemen’s injuries, they’ve skated on the third pair.
Blashill is still feeling out the rookie blueliners as he observes how they handle themselves on the ice. Del Mastro believes the coach is gaining more trust in the two.
“I think he’s understanding more what my game is and the type of player I am,” Del Mastro, 23, said. “It’s hard (when) a new coach comes in (and) he hasn’t seen you play a ton.
“It’s nice for me to be able to display the kind of player I am and my game and continue to try to earn their trust and earn the ability to be put out there more and more. I feel like I’m doing a good job of that so far.”
It’s a learning process, so the two hope to put up better numbers as their game logs lengthen. Del Mastro has a minus-6 rating since his recall, while Korchinski is even in two games this week.
“Playing a different role, trying to get asked to play different styles in different scenarios and just being able to be more versatile … whatever they want me to do to help the team win, that’s what I’m trying to do,” Korchinski said at the AHL All-Star Classic. “It’s always a privilege getting called up and getting (the) opportunity.”
Blackhawks defenseman Kevin Korchinski (55) takes a shot against the Sharks on Jan. 16, 2024, at the United Center. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Korchinski, 21, has been wanting to stay with the Hawks, but the 2022 No. 7 pick has been back and forth between the NHL and AHL. Blashill isn’t looking at the mistakes but rather the growth from both.
“When (Del Mastro) first got in, I think the first time we played seven (defensemen), it’s a little bit more difficult,” Blashill said. “Then seeing him on the right compared the left, all those are good chances to see him, (while) it’s also a chance for him to gain reps. He doesn’t play afraid to make a mistake, I like that piece of it for sure.
“It’s the same as Del Mastro (for Korchinski). Especially on D, it’s a position where reps help. It gives us a chance to see him, which is great. It’s unfortunate for injuries, but from our perspective, there’s positives to it.”
While the transition to the NHL can be overwhelming, having Nick Lardis, Sam Rinzel and other Hawks who played alongside them in Rockford this season has helped Del Mastro and Korchinski adjust and feel more comfortable.
“As you kind of get your foot in the door, it automatically is going to be easier and feel better,” Del Mastro said. “You got all these young guys, some of your best friends and guys you’ve been going through it (with) for a long time in this organization growing as players and people. Easier to be around them, be comfortable in the room, be yourself, it’s definitely been nice.
Time is running out on the Hawks this season — after their matchup Thursday night against the Oilers in Edmonton, Alberta, they have six games remaining. That’s six more chances to make a lasting impression.
“I think you want to continue to mature as a player and grow your game,” Del Mastro said. “Try to show that I can play in this league (so) coming in next year, I have the ability to play with this team and contribute to the process of us becoming better.”