Blackhawks Player Grades: Kevin Korchinski

Kevin Korchinski spent majority of the 2024-25 season in the AHL. After 76 games in the NHL in 2023-24, the Blackhawks took full advantage of his ability to play in the AHL this past season, allowing for further growth. It was clear Korchinski needed further development, but the WHL became too easy for him. In 56 games with the Rockford IceHogs, Korchinski posted 27 points (three goals, 24 assists). In addition, Korchinski was one of two Blackhawks' representatives (Cole Guttman) at the AHL All-Star Game and took home game MVP honors. 

At the NHL level, Korchinski looked really bad at times, but still had some flashes of brilliance. The 2022 first-round pick only suited up for 16 NHL games, tallying one goal and one assist. His first call-up back in December felt rather successful, but his late-season return wasn't quite the same. 

Korchinski was at times making bad reads, touch decisions on plays at the blue line, and overall looking overwhelmed. Ideally, more development will cure some of that, but as it stands, Korchinski is not the most NHL-ready defenseman the Blackhawks have in their prospect pool. 

Player Grades

Steve Kwiatkowski's Grade: C

It's tough to assign a letter grade to Korchinski. He's very much a player that needs a lot of time to develop, mostly his physicality. On offense I thought he looked fine, despite only recording two points. 

Tony Marchese's Grade: C

Korchinski spent most of his season in Rockford so this is a tough grade. He didn't exactly make a huge impact in the time he was up with the Hawks and dare I say, his presence felt overshadowed by other defensive prospects. That being said, he also didn't look terrible either. Sticking with an average C here.

Ron Luce's Grade: C

In fairness, Korchinski didn't get a lot of time in the NHL. He had a strong season in the AHL, but looked BRUTAL at times towards the end of the season. Not every defenseman develops at the same pace, and outside of MAYBE Artyom Levshunov (who, as a teenager, exceeded expectation), Korchinski is the youngest with the most development required. He was fine, but another season minimum in Rockford playing against top competition is what he needs. 

What's On Tap Next?

Unless the Blackhawks make a surprise trade and use Kevin Korchinski as a piece in the deal, his future with the Blackhawks looks clear. He will be given plenty of time to develop and should be the top dog down in Rockford next season. Perhaps a little bit more time in the AHL is what he needs before graduating to the NHL on a full-time basis. 

Tell us if you agree with our grades! What would you give Kevin Korchinski? Let us know at @FourFeathersPod on X and Instagram!