The Chicago Blackhawks have quite the logjam when it comes to defensemen. They’re coming off a decent preseason, going 2-1-1, and the kids who needed to perform well did, for the most part.
One of the defensemen who performed well was Kevin Korchinski, who’s on a ticking clock when it comes to earning himself an every-night spot in the lineup. One who did not was Sam Rinzel, who struggled whenever he was on the ice. Korchinski should be in the opening night lineup against the Vegas Golden Knights, and Rinzel should be sent down to the American Hockey League (AHL).
Why Korchinski Should Get the Bottom Pairing Spot
Korchinski was drafted seventh overall in the 2022 NHL Draft and signed his entry-level contract immediately after. He was thrown into the NHL right away because he couldn’t play in the AHL since he was 18 years old. Korchinski played the full 2022-23 season in Chicago, and unfortunately, it didn’t go well, as expected. Defensemen need more time to develop, and he didn’t get that. It derailed his confidence and sent him on a downward spiral that lasted for a while.
This preseason is one of the few times Korchinski has shown he got his pre-draft confidence back, but this is the first time he showed it on a consistent basis. Through the two games he played, he looked like he belonged at the NHL level.
Kevin Korchinski, Chicago Blackhawks (Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)
It’s tough for the young players on the team to make a big impression because of the new rules under the new CBA with limited training camp allotment hours, and players with over 100 NHL games can only play in two preseason games. Korchinski fell into that over 100 NHL games category, but he still managed to make a good impression.
Korchinski’s ability to break the puck out was his leading trait. He knew when to take his space and saw the ice better than he has in the past. He didn’t try to force anything, and his passes were clean, both in 5-on-5 play and on the power play. Korchinski may still lack some physicality, but he gained 17-plus pounds over the offseason; he just has to keep adding and learn how to use it. He was also able to stay engaged throughout the whole shift. Korchinski’s preseason should definitely earn him an opening night spot.
How It’ll Impact the Defensive Core
The shuffling around on the bottom pair shouldn’t affect the top-four (Bowen Byram, Alex Vlasic, Wyatt Kaiser, and Artyom Levshunov). However, it will impact Ian Cole. Cole was brought in on a one-year deal at $4 million to serve the role Connor Murphy did before he was dealt at last season’s trade deadline. Cole is a solid penalty killer and even had a shorthanded goal in the last preseason game. He is a veteran at 37 years old on a young defensive core, which is important because he can be a good influence.
For Rinzel, the 25th overall pick in the 2022 Draft, he didn’t have a good preseason at all. He lacked physicality and looked timid on the ice. When he was out there with Cole, he had a 5-on-5 on-ice shot attempts for percentage of 35.80 and was worst on the team with 52 shots against when he was out on the ice. He was outplayed by Korchinski. Rinzel doesn’t need waivers to go down and develop more with the IceHogs, and the Blackhawks should take that route with him.
Overall, defenders take time to develop and get NHL-ready. The NHL is cruel to defensemen, and confidence can be lost quickly. Korchinski might’ve been the most-improved defenseman throughout the two preseason contests he participated in, and he looks about as NHL-ready as he has since he was drafted. It may have taken him four years to find his footing, but it’s time to give him another full-time chance in Chicago.
Free Newsletter
Get Chicago Blackhawks coverage delivered to your inbox
In-depth analysis, breaking news, and insider takes – free.