Kevin Korchinski’s entry-level contract with Blackhawks to begin after 10th game

Kevin Korchinski’s entry-level contract with Blackhawks to begin after 10th game originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

Chicago Blackhawks top defenseman prospect Kevin Korchinski is set to play his 10th NHL game this season on Saturday, triggering the activation of his entry-level contract for this year instead of the next.

It’s no surprise, as Korchinski has proven his worth, and the Blackhawks likely welcome the opportunity to secure his second contract sooner.

However, the Blackhawks have yet to officially inform Korchinski that he will remain in the NHL for the entire season, unlike what the previous management did with Kirby Dach when he reached the 10-game milestone as a rookie. The circumstances were different back then.

Korchinski’s tenure with the Blackhawks continues to be an ongoing evaluation, although it seems unlikely that he will return to the WHL at this point (CHL rules prohibit him from playing in the AHL this season).

“In this league, nothing is given, so I’m constantly striving to earn my place and not take anything for granted,” said Korchinski. “Being here is a privilege. I focus on improving daily, working on my weaknesses, and showcasing my skills as a talented hockey player.”

So far, Korchinski has seamlessly integrated himself into the team.

“Obviously, there are ups and downs,” Korchinski acknowledged. “But my goal is to learn through the entire process and understand what it means to be an NHL player.”

The next milestone to watch out for, in addition to whether the Blackhawks will allow Korchinski to represent Team Canada in the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, is the 40-game mark. If Korchinski plays in 40 or more games this season, it would bring him closer to unrestricted free agency.

However, the Blackhawks do not view this number as a crucial cutoff. Their priority is the player’s development, and they will do what’s best for him.

“He’s played great, so the lack of conversation probably means he’s staying put,” said Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson. “He’s playing with confidence.”

“Offensively, he possesses the natural characteristics of today’s young players. He’s a strong skater and has excellent vision. We’ve been encouraging him to shoot the puck more, especially on the power play, and I think he’s starting to understand that. Once he gains confidence in his offensive abilities, I believe he will contribute even more.”

Defensively, Korchinski’s game is a work in progress, and it likely always will be. Nevertheless, he feels he is making progress in that aspect.

“Every player in the league is impressive, whether they’re top scorers or depth players,” Korchinski stated. “It doesn’t matter who they are; they are all outstanding hockey players who make a living from this game. So, I approach every matchup with intensity and determination, regardless of the player.”

The only scenario in which I could envision Korchinski returning to the WHL is if he encounters a rookie slump, both mentally and physically, during the midpoint of the season. Adjusting to the demands of a grueling 82-game NHL season can be challenging for players transitioning from college or junior hockey, and that doesn’t even take into account the playoffs.

However, at just 19 years old, Korchinski has shown no signs of slowing down.

“I take it one game, one day at a time,” Korchinski shared. “I don’t dwell on the past. I learn from each game, whether it was good or bad, and strive to improve. You’re only as good as your last game, and that’s the mindset I adopt.”

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.