The Chicago Blackhawks’ minor-league affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, will host this year’s AHL All-Star Classic, set for Feb. 10-11 at the BMO Center in Rockford, Illinois.
The rosters for the event were announced on Thursday, and defenseman Kevin Korchinski and forward Nick Lardis were named as the two IceHogs’ selections.
Korchinski, the seventh overall pick in 2022, was named the 2025 AHL All-Star Classic MVP, as he recorded one goal, three assists, and a shootout tally to help the Central Division win the event. In 33 games with Rockford this season, his 19 points (2G, 17A) lead the team among defenseman. Korchinski appeared in two games for the Blackhawks last weekend and picked up an assist in a 3-0 win over the Nashville Predators on Saturday.
Lardis opened his rookie season with the IceHogs and got off to a ravishing start, with 26 points (13G, 13A) in his first 24 professional games. His hot start was rewarded with his first NHL call-up in mid-December, and he’s remained with the Blackhawks ever since. Lardis made his NHL debut on Dec. 13 and has four goals and one assist in 16 NHL games.
If Lardis remains in the NHL with the Blackhawks, he’ll need to be replaced on the All-Star Classic roster. It seems likely that will be the case, given his recent progression and offensive upside. However, with the event being held while the NHL players are over in Milan for the Winter Olympics, perhaps Chicago does Lardis a favor by returning him to the minor leagues for the All-Star Game.
Here’s a look at the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic rosters for the four divisions.
The 2026 AHL All-Star Classic Skills Competition kicks off the event on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 7:00 p.m. CT. Then, the All-Star Challenge is held the following night on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 7:00 p.m. CT.
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