Blackhawks Prospect Kevin Korchinski Learned To Embrace AHL Upgrade: ‘Life Is A Journey’

Rockford – Blackhawks Center Connor Bedard has matured from boy to man at a rapid pace this season. Ninety miles to the northwest, Defenseman Kevin Korchinski saw a similar transformation.

Korchinski more relaxed, brighter, only brighter – opened with his evolution over the past two years at the BMO Center, the Icehogs’ Home Arena, on Wednesday.

When the 2022 NHL overall pick made his NHL bid on the sidelines in October 2023, he didn’t think he would be 15 games into his second AHL season in November 2025. That suggestion may have upset him at the time.

“I was 19, trying to make the team,” Korchinski said. “You don’t care about your future; you just want to play well.”

But now he not only accepted his share but lied. You’ve learned the patience needed to navigate the vagaries of life as a pro athlete.

“The AHL is a tough league, but… I get to play a lot of minutes, use my skills and work on things, knowing I’ll be able to make those plays consistently,” he said.

“They have to translate better than just entering the NHL and surviving. It takes a lot mentally, losing and not playing with your standards in the past high. [by] being able to make a play here. “

There is a long-term vision in his head now that was completely absent when he was younger.

“Obviously, he wants to be as good a player as he is [you can be] Now, but I want to be the best I can be when I’m 24 or 25, “he said.” I want to be the difference at the next level. The staff at this organization know what’s best for me. . . . Life is a journey where you want to learn every day and never do it yourself. “

That view doesn’t bother Korchinski, current Icehogs coach Jared Nightingale said.

“It’s not often that prospects are where your feet are, but you’re shown in a good position,” Nightingale said. “He didn’t pretend he wasn’t. He’s taking good steps and trying to improve because he’s still a young player with a lot of hockey left.”

The challenge for the Hawks overriding Korchinski has been clear but subtle. He just didn’t need to have a disaster. He needed to be so Stellar that he could stop thinking about it and shift his focus back to the offensive skills that made him such a special prospect.

During his first two seasons, that didn’t happen. The Hawks and Icehogs were outscored 85-48 and 50-34, respectively, in his fifth ice time.

This season, that may change, although the sample size is small. Entering Wednesday, he had 10 assists, and Redford had outscored its opponents 13-8 during his five turnovers.

“Using the things I’ve learned over the past few years to protect – wisdom, [I’m] Not to worry too much about that, “said Korchinski.” It’s in the back of my head, naturally now. I gave up very little of the last few years this year, which equates to a lot of playing [in the offensive] Zone, make more plays and get more opportunities. “

It will take time for Korchinski to prove he’s ready to handle the NHL full-time again, especially with the power of NHL players with his small frame.

The Hawks’ current corps has played well, creating roadblocks, too. So the organization will eventually need to make difficult personnel decisions.

Korchinski is focusing on everything now, though, and is determined to continue grinding in Rockford for now.

Rooting for Bedard

This unexpected development didn’t stop Korchinski from following the Hawks’ development this season. He is very happy with bedard, they are close friends back in 2023-24.

“He’s on the all-time heater now,” Korchinski said. “It was unbelievable. At the same time … We all know, we played with him, that was a player that was not surprising at that level, but let’s say I’m not surprised that he’s doing what he’s doing.

“I hope he ends up on the Olympic team. I’ll be removing him.”