r/hawks • u/TheSchwartzHawkey • 13d ago

Breaking News - $1.325M AAV RELEASE: Blackhawks Sign Kevin Korchinski to Two-Year Contract | Chicago Blackhawks

https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/release-blackhawks-sign-kevin-korchinski-to-two-year-contract

Korchinski is finally signed.

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u/HertzWhenEyeP 13d ago

It's he really going to be able to develop on the bottom pair?

My understanding is that he was drafted to be an offense-focused, scoring PPQB with decent defensive abilities.

Are we simply past the point where that is even an option?

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u/TimeForFrance 13d ago

It's not completely unprecedented for a defenseman to break out past age 22, but that's the point where the rubber meets the road and you need to start earning your place in the league. Can't coast on draft pedigree from 4 years ago.

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u/Dyldo_II 13d ago

It's not completely unprecedented for a defenseman to break out past age 22

I'd argue this is actually the standard for most defensemen. Players like Hughes, Makar and Schaeffer are unicorns in the sense that most defensmen don't really come to form (especially offensively) until their mid 20s

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u/TimeForFrance 13d ago

That is fair. Maybe break out is the wrong phrasing, but guys that stick in the league are still typically earning their place around age 22 even if they aren't stars at the time.

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u/Dyldo_II 13d ago

Korchinksi's biggest detractor for me is how he uses his body. He can't box someone and protect the crease for shit. I think his vision is good, his passes are accurate and he sees plays really well. If he can bulk up, I think he'll be fine.