The Chicago Blackhawks wanted Kevin Korchinski. The wanted him so badly that they selected the offensive-minded defenseman seventh overall in 2022. After another year in junior, he made the early jump to the NHL in 2023-24. There were growing pains and struggles, so much so that some think he isn’t as good as his draft position may have suggested. What is the true upside and projection for him now? 

The EP Rinkside team rated Korchinski as the 19th-best player in the 2022 draft. The upside of his puck skills and offensive acumen were accounted for. In addition to his offence, Korchinski stood out as a transition master. His transition skills were nearly unparalleled in the WHL. The rub? His defensive game. There were major concerns away from the puck relating to engagement and reads.

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