7th overall picks absence from the Chicago Blackhawks quickly becomes a cause of concern

Defenseman Kevin Korchinski has slid down the Blackhawks' prospect pipeline.

The prospect remains in the AHL, while players like Louis Crevier, Sam Rinzel, and Artyom Levshunov rightly occupy a spot in the regular lineup.

The Blackhawks under Jeff Blashill look like a force to contend with, and they've pulled together for a 2-2-2 record in the Central Division, and the confidence is easily seen on the ice.

This is in comparison to the Anders Sorensen and Luke Richardson teams, which lacked structure and discipline.

Frank Nazar and Connor Bedard lead the way with 6 points to start the year, but one former first-round pick remains in limbo.

Unlike Korchinski, Rinzel is 2nd on the Blueline with 20:40 time on ice nightly, behind Alex Vlasic with 21:07. Rinzel is poised to become a top defenseman in the NHL.

While the former 7th overall pick languished in the AHL.

After his first season in the NHL, in which he played 73 games as a result of his age disallowing him to be placed in the AHL, he showed promise.

He earned AHL All-Star honors last season, but his absence is noticeable in the NHL lineup, where he wishes he could be.

He's been surpassed by Levshunov, Wyatt Kaiser, and Rinzel.

The depth available is great news for the Blackhawks, but will they continue to be patient for him to be good enough to lace up the skates in the NHL again?

His lack of development could make him a trade chip for the team in the future, whether as a single swap or as part of a package deal for Kyle Davidson.

Korchinski has 1 goal and 2 shots this season in the AHL with the IceHogs, but we're not certain a call-up is in his future.