“I just want to be an impact player. I want to develop so that I can be a difference-maker.”
Just over a month ago, these are the words that left first-round draft pick Kevin Korchinski’s mouth as he expressed his hopes for the future with the Blackhawks while he took in the scenes on draft night in Montreal. Now, after signing a three-year entry-level contract, he is locked in as a key piece of the Blackhawks’ rebuilding plans.
The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native was selected 7th overall in this year’s Draft. After a quality performance at Blackhawks Development Camp in mid-July — including the scrimmage shootout game-winner to close out the week — the rookie defenseman was offered his first NHL contract including a $950,000 cap hit Wednesday morning.
“Kevin’s game in particular, what I’ve noticed, is just how well he moves around the ice, he’s a pretty big kid,” Assistant General Manager, Development Mark Eaton said during camp. “Looking at him off the ice and seeing the upside of how much he can fill out and continue to get stronger and grow into his frame is exciting. But the way he already skates and handles the puck [with his] head up all the time, surveys the surface of the ice, can make plays, and the overall quickness and how he thinks the game, it’s been exciting to watch.”
At 6-foot-2, 185-pounds, Korchinski himself said several times throughout Development Camp that his main goal off the ice would be to focus on nutrition and grow stronger. However, Head Coach Luke Richardson, along with Eaton, already seem to see the upsides Korcinski could provide for the team.
“Kevin had a great camp here too, he’s our first pick and he’s a guy that can move the puck, have a good gap, good stick,” Richardson said back in July. “Not to compare him or anything, but you know, a Duncan Keith, is one he can try and emulate his game to that level. That’s someone that, if he has a chance to look at some footage of him, would be really helpful because he’s going to be a guy who has the puck that can add to the offense. But he’s such a good skater, and has mobility and a good stick that really makes a good defenseman.”
In his most recent season with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL, Korchinski appeared in 67 games and tallied 65 points (4G, 61A), earning a plus-minus of +36. The 18-year-old also played in 25 playoff contests, during which he racked up 6 goals and 13 assists. Going into this season under contract, Korchinski is hoping for more of the same improvement.
“For me, it’s just learning how to handle stuff like a pro, whether it’s on the ice or off the ice,” Korchinski said during Development Camp. “I love hockey, it’s my life, so getting back on the ice has been awesome. I’m confident in my abilities…I’m just taking it day by day and trying to get better every day. That’s my main focus right now.” “
Ultimately, while Korchinski will be returning to the WHL this upcoming season, General Manager Kyle Davidson and the rest of the front office are excited to see what Korchinski’s future may hold as a potential impact player for Chicago.
“Signing Kevin is an exciting moment and another step in us building organizational depth,” Davidson said. “We knew that we wanted Kevin to be a big part of this team’s future, so we’re happy to have him within our system, developing in this early part of his professional career. His confidence and positive attitude paired with his size will be assets as he continues to grow his game in the WHL this upcoming season.”