The Chicago Blackhawks have made an unexpected move by bringing up defenseman Isaak Phillips from the Rockford IceHogs, the team's AHL affiliate. However, there's a twist to this roster adjustment as the Blackhawks have placed defenseman Kevin Korchinski on the non-roster list.
Putting a player on the non-roster list allows the Blackhawks to free up a valuable roster spot. Typically, players are placed on the non-roster for reasons other than injuries, such as attending special events, personal matters, or disabilities, as per NHL guidelines.
In this instance, the 2023 World Junior Camp for Team Canada is set to begin tomorrow. Despite expectations that Korchinski, who is eligible for another season in the World Juniors, would represent his country in the upcoming tournament, that won't be the case. Kevin Korchinski is taking a temporary step away from the NHL to address a family matter.