This is from the last one

Which is why I think he makes plenty of sense for the Hawks. Take a look at the top-10 teams in the league and their lead d-man in points:

1. Rangers | Fox - 63P in 63G (1.00 ppg)
2. Stars | Heiskanen - 48P in 63G (.76 ppg)
3. Hurricanes | Skjei - 42P in 74G (.57 ppg)
4. Bruins | McAvoy - 44P in 66G (.67 ppg)
5. Canucks | Hughes - 81P in 73G (1.11 ppg)
6. Avalanche | Makar - 78P in 68G (1.15 ppg)
7. Panthers | Montour - 31P in 57G (.54 ppg)
8. Jets | Morrissey - 58P in 73G (.79 ppg)
9. Oilers | Bouchard - 74P in 71G (1.04 ppg)
10. Leafs | Rielly - 51P in 65G (.78 ppg)

Now contrast that with the bottom-5 teams and their leader in d-man points:

1. San Jose | Ferraro - 19P in 65G (.29 ppg)
2. Chicago | Jones - 29P in 58G (.50 ppg)
3. Anaheim | Fowler - 32P in 72G (.44 ppg)
4. Columbus | Werenski - 46P in 61G (.75 ppg)
5. Arizona | Durzi - 36P in 67G (.54 ppg)


It's evident that you need guys to produce on the backend to be able to win. Korchinski can be a pretty darn good defense-man, but does he have the upside to be a 70+ point d-man that's required of contending teams? If the team think he's more 1B than 1A, then the team absolutely needs to prioritize an offensive d-man like Parekh.
- TommyHawk


This is kind of an interesting look.

https://smahtscouting.com...-report-kevin-korchinski/

Basically - huge raw canvas, they predicted struggles in AHL first 2 years and then if he figures out how to adjust to the NHL he could be a very effective player.

You'd think once he gets comfortable and starts attacking the zone the way he is described as in the article above then he could be a very special player. He doesn't look incompetent focusing on playing simple and making adjustments the coaching staff is asking for. And he's done well continuing to improve while also having to deal with losing a parent unexpectedly which certainly takes a mental and emotional toll.

In some cases you'd want to see a kid swing his pecker a bit but I think overall for a very young player in that type of position, understanding that he needs to learn the game then he can make an imposition (I'm assuming thats what's happening because its the only logical explanation for him not skating the puck around like a maniac) it shows a pretty good level of maturity and in a year or two maybe something more dynamic manifests itself. Also playing with Megna wtf is he realistically gonna be able to do.

He's got the right frame, the physical tools and seems like a good attitude. He just needs minutes and confidence and he's trending in the right direction.

That being said I think you draft best overall. If you have two dynamic guys on the left side dunno what you do with Jones but like myself and many others here have said they can do nothing with him and not really be impacted or you can flip one of those younger guys for a big scoring winger or whatever they need to help complete the roster.

Who they pick is irrelevant as long as that pick turns into an impactful NHL player.
- fattybeef

Great post

Hes 19, just out of jrs directly to the nhl. Common Paul, give the kid a break.
- LFS

Sarcasm alert, eh?

A really critical thing to remember about our D and scoring is that it's not one guy in a vacuum. A big reason why a lot of the top teams have higher scoring D is that these are also typically higher scoring teams in general as well. Having a 2-3 superstars up front on the Powerplay or at even strength really helps the guys on the blueline hit the stat sheet too.

Most of the top scoring dmen are among the league leaders in secondary assists. Now, part of that is playmaking and moving the puck and joining the play, but part of it is having elite level players who can take the pass and finish.

That's why it isn't so black and white when it comes to production from the backend. In a league where most Dmen don't hit their stride until like 22-24 years old, it's really early to give up on a promising and talented Korchinski who is only 19 in his first pro season.

Consider a guy like Evan Bouchard for example, at
age 19 he played 7 games with one point, that followed up
age 21 14 GP 5 points,
age 22 81 games 43 points,
age 23 82 games and 40 points, to this year
age 24 72GP and 76 points this season so far. He started to get it around age 22 and really didn't break out until the post season last year when he really started to click.

Cole Guttman got some recognition.

"Guttman, the AHL Player of the Month, tallied 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points, along with a plus-13 rating, in 12 games for Rockford as the team went 10-2-0-0 during the month of March."

Cole Guttman got some recognition.

"Guttman, the AHL Player of the Month, tallied 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points, along with a plus-13 rating, in 12 games for Rockford as the team went 10-2-0-0 during the month of March."
- breadbag

Nice to see the Icehogs doing well. Hopefully more of these guys trickle up and replace the AAAA players we have on the team.

Korchinski is one heck of a shpkarter and passer. He is going nowhere by way of trade b/c there is enough already to see the player, his package have big growth possibilities.
I was a ballsy call by the hawks to determine that there was less chance of back steps and more chance of growth through the experience of playing in the bigs already.

There was lots of talk here about individual players playing well...include Jones in that group and many of the forwards. Jones can take a hit, and give back. #44 wants to be a Blackhawk permanently, and he isn't sitting back and waiting for opportunities, he is making them. That is what a mature young college defenseman can do.

I actually thought that the Philly coach was gunning for various hawks trying to disrupt things and it didn't work. The current hawk team is not the one they are planning to stand pat with, but it certainly is a combative tough bunch...and I don't think the experiences playing beside them isn't leaving negative vibes with the entire group of kid defenders.

We are going to see the team management wanting more drafted kids here to work with more closely as said in the Powers Athletic article.

I think everyone will like Nazar, as long as you are not expecting wall banger and can appreciate that he thinks and acts quickly along the lines of Bedsy.
He may even end up being Bedard's centre while the split coverages they have employed to give Bedard less time in the defensive zone playing defensive centre and more time closer to the attack zone. Nazar can barrel up from the defensive zone coverage and be active in the play Bedard will be working at setting up.

And Nazar is going to force pucks away for the opposition based on his speed on the forecheck.
- wiz1901

This is a post constructed by a person who has watched and evaluated thousands of players over numerous decades. Well said, Wiz.

As you say you can begging to see pieces start to fall into place for Korchinski, a 19 yr old who didn't really fit as an NHLer this yr or a Jrs player either. So he was stuck making mistakes at the NHL level.

And as you say you see a mature 21 yr old in Kaiser "making things happen". He's what 3 yrs of NCAA play produces, something that KK did not have the benefit of. ...

That said, and he's on at 6:00 today, and the 8th spot is on the clock with Parekh still available and that GM calls me asking about a deal including KK I'm taking that call. Saginaw @ Owen Sound: http://onhockey.tv/index....place=sawlive&channel=tvh

Great post
- ObeseOprah

It's meaningless when there's no upfront scoring potential.

In recent Hawks history Dach (raw talent) got a 13th and Debrincat (proven talent) got the 7th overall, a 2nd and a 3rd. So what is a raw talent and a 18-19ish pick worth? (assuming that's where the TB winds up) Surely more than the 13th received for Dach. Can it go as high as 8 or 9? Not for either of us to say. It does takes 2 teams to make a trade, though. And the other team would really want said raw talent in return for the pick. Personally I doubt if it happens. I just like playing arm-chair GM.
- boilermaker100

Right on, BM. Between the Canadian boys seeing these Major Junior guys live, guys with great memories, solid hockey minds and guys who've watched the NHL/Jrs/NCAA for decades all posting/weighing in I'm able to think about possibilities in different ways.

We do know this, as you mention, BM. Yr 1 KD traded Dach and Dcat. Yr 2 he tried and tried to move up for Moore. Fair to think he's going into Draft #3 ready and willing to be active.... It makes arm chair GMing even more fun.

It's meaningless when there's no upfront scoring potential.
- rpeters01

You're an Eiserman guy?

The tube doesn't do him justice, in person in the few games I've gone to he's been the most athletic hockey player I've seen on the ice for both teams, easily. I can understand why LR made that comparison because he sees him everyday. Athleticism equals untapped potential to me.
- BetweenTheDots

One can see KK is athletic, but I've never seen him live. These kinds of observations are helpful, Dots.

MSU beats UM 4 out of 5 during the season and Big 10 tourney, so of course Michigan beats them to get to the Frozen 4.
- scottak

Watching a whole bunch on U of MI this yr this is by far the best I've seen them. Seems like they've come together as a group at a perfect time... We know their skill but they seem more structured, prepared, disciplined and bought in.

Posted earlier but what in the NHL draft history makes anyone think it's realistic that a top 10 pick will get moved for a still raw play (Korchinski) and a late round first?

NHL GM's don't make moves like that.

The only guys on the roster that would get them a top ten pick or could be packaged for one would be Jones + or Bedard.
- fattybeef

Vlasic? ..... And it doesn't have to be a 1 for 1, Fatty. A GM high on KK, for instance, and sitting in the 5 slot might like a KK, Moore and a 3rd for that pick....... Eiserman and Parekh for KK, Moore and a 3rd?

What a move by Nazer

Between the legs pass to a wide open Brinkley. Nazer looked like a point guard on a fast break.
- LAHawk

A next level play at top speed!! ..... A month ago I posted after watching a lotta U of MI hockey that IMO Nazar would benefit from another yr in school. But during the tournament Nazar has been dangerous on most of his shifts and this was way before his crazy assist.

Looking more and more thru the tournament he's stamped his ticket to the pros after this season. If he ain't ready for the Bigs after camp and preseason he'd develop nicely at RKF.

Nice to see the Icehogs doing well. Hopefully more of these guys trickle up and replace the AAAA players we have on the team.
- ObeseOprah

Wasn’t Joey Anderson Cole Guttman before he was brought up?

My very favorite stat from Powers' article today.

" Rockford IceHogs goalie Drew Commesso allowed two goals or less in five of his seven starts in March. He stopped 181 of 194 shots for a .933 save percentage over the month.

For the season, Commesso has a .906 save percentage in 33 games".


This one ain't bad either. Points aside a 19 yr old getting 14:00 TOI per game in the KHL Playoffs.

"Roman Kantserov, a 2023 second-round pick, has seven points in 12 playoff games in the KHL. He has four goals and three assists. In the regular season, he had 15 points in 53 games. He’s getting more opportunity with his ice time up to 14:14 a game in the playoffs and he’s producing more. The Blackhawks have to be pleased".

Vlasic? ..... And it doesn't have to be a 1 for 1, Fatty. A GM high on KK, for instance, and sitting in the 5 slot might like a KK, Moore and a 3rd for that pick....... Eiserman and Parekh for KK, Moore and a 3rd?
- Mr Ricochet

What is the benefit to the Hawks of a trade like this? To the naked eye, it looks like you are trading KK who you now know can at a minimum play some defense in the NHL and has the tools to be a big offensive contributor, and Moore who is known as a 200’ player who has been able to produce against higher competition in the NCAA, for a sniper (admittedly a need) who has many that are wary of his overall game, and another D-man that is likely at least a year if not 2-3 away from even seeing NHL ice. I know this is hypothetical, but this seems like just delaying the rebuild even more. If I’m trading any of the young D it is for an established young forward. I’m fine packaging draft picks to move up in the draft, but not guys that have actually shown they can play a bit.

My very favorite stat from Powers' article today.

" Rockford IceHogs goalie Drew Commesso allowed two goals or less in five of his seven starts in March. He stopped 181 of 194 shots for a .933 save percentage over the month.

For the season, Commesso has a .906 save percentage in 33 games".


This one ain't bad either. Points aside a 19 yr old getting 14:00 TOI per game in the KHL Playoffs.

"Roman Kantserov, a 2023 second-round pick, has seven points in 12 playoff games in the KHL. He has four goals and three assists. In the regular season, he had 15 points in 53 games. He’s getting more opportunity with his ice time up to 14:14 a game in the playoffs and he’s producing more. The Blackhawks have to be pleased".
- Mr Ricochet

The Hawks have a couple prospects that have been a pleasant surprise, at least on the offensive side of the puck. Both Kantserov (2nd round in 2023) and Lardis (3rd round in 2023) have been lighting the lamp this season. They’re still a few years away from being NHL contributors, but they’re off to a great start.

Toronto has signed NCAA free agent centre Jacob Quillan. His teammate Collin Graf is expected to sign with an Eastern conference team soon.

KD is asleep at the wheel again…. #KDFail

The Hawks have a couple prospects that have been a pleasant surprise, at least on the offensive side of the puck. Both Kantserov (2nd round in 2023) and Lardis (3rd round in 2023) have been lighting the lamp this season. They’re still a few years away from being NHL contributors, but they’re off to a great start.
- DarthKane

And both are great skaters. I’ve seen Lardis a few times and he can flat out fly. If he and Moore make the club I’d be interested to see who’s faster.

Toronto has signed NCAA free agent centre Jacob Quillan. His teammate Collin Graf is expected to sign with an Eastern conference team soon.

KD is asleep at the wheel again…. #KDFail
- DarthKane

He WAS the best UFA available but how many times have we seen these moves result in lesser lites who bob in and out of the NHL with mixed success.

Scott Powers of The Athletic is reporting that Chicago Blackhawks Colin Blackwell and Nikita Zaitsev are back at practice today.

It’s not like they’re getting Steve Larmer and Doug Wilson back, but definitely better than some others currently dressing. This team will catch the Ducks, so we’ll see where they end up picking.

You're an Eiserman guy?
- Mr Ricochet

The beauty of Kyle's situation; he gets to decide if a big dominant centre is what the hawks want, a goal scorer, or a dominant attacking rearguard, or giant potential headman or a Russian.

All this b/c we know Celebrini is going first pick whether he stars or levels out as a mid six centteman...

The beauty of Kyle's situation; he gets to decide if a big dominant centre is what the hawks want, a goal scorer, or a dominant attacking rearguard, or giant potential headman or a Russian.

All this b/c we know Celebrini is going first pick whether he stars or levels out as a mid six centteman...
- wiz1901

You know that is really the best thing about a full tear down, he can really pick the best available player. It would be crazy if we win the lottery again.

Alex Nylander has 23 points in 17 games with the Blue Jackets. The worm has turned. Good for him.

You know that is really the best thing about a full tear down, he can really pick the best available player. It would be crazy if we win the lottery again.
- BetweenTheDots

It really would. I’ll say it’s been nice to be so irrelevant that we’re barely hated after three cups and the Beach Fiasco. If we won the lottery again we’d be public enemy number one.