The Chicago Blackhawks traded Alex DeBrincat to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for the 7th overall pick, DeBrincat would then refuse to sign an extension with the Senators, and would sign with the Detroit Red Wings. The Blackhawks received the Senators 7th overall pick in that breaking trade, which lead to the organization drafting their best defensemen as of right now, Kevin Korchinski, at just 19 years of age.
The 2023-24 NHL season brought questions about how Kevin Korchinski, the Blackhawks' seventh-overall pick in 2022, would perform. Only 19 years old, his first nine games would decide his NHL future.
After those nine games, Korchinski proved his worth, solidifying his spot on the Blackhawks' roster for the entire season. Now, the focus turns to what comes next.
Normally, a 19-year-old defenseman breaking into the NHL would be the top story. However, the Bedard Hype Train has drawn all the attention, providing Korchinski some room to develop without intense scrutiny.
Korchinski has navigated the early challenges well, ranking second on the team in ice time and becoming a versatile player on the power play. Kevin Korchinski's emergence as a young talent is a positive for the Blackhawks, even amidst the Bedard frenzy.
