Kevin Korchinski’s Position in the Chicago Blackhawks Roster

Kevin Korchinski began the 2026-27 season in a unique situation. As a defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks, he was a restricted free agent during most of the offseason. While other restricted free agents like Connor Bedard and Drew Commesso settled their contracts, Korchinski’s future with the Hawks remained uncertain. On August 29, the speculation ended with him signing a two-year contract worth $2.65 million. He expressed little concern about the delay in negotiations, stating, ‘It was out of my control, so I didn’t really pay too much attention to it.’

Korchinski used the off-season as an opportunity for improvement. ‘Came here for a month and worked with a lot of different coaches and strength coaches, and I think it was beneficial,’ he noted, describing it as a productive summer.

The Blackhawks’ general manager, Kyle Davidson, took a relaxed approach regarding contract timing for Korchinski and fellow defenseman Ethan Del Mastro, who signed a two-year $1.9 million contract on September 16. Davidson explained, ‘We had some other business to handle ahead of that, so I wouldn’t necessarily read too much into timing-wise.’

With Korchinski no longer exempt from waivers, the Blackhawks had to keep him on their roster to prevent other teams from claiming him. Even with new additions like defensemen Bowen Byram and Ian Cole, the two-year contract indicated the team’s continued commitment to Korchinski, a top pick from the 2022 draft.

Korchinski participated in preseason games against the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues. However, his playing time was limited even in AHL-heavy lineups. The Blackhawks finalized their opening roster on September 26 with 13 forwards, eight defensemen, and two goaltenders. Initially, including eight defensemen seemed logical as coach Jeff Blashill had used an 11-forward, seven-defensemen lineup occasionally last season.

When asked about his defensive rotation strategy before the season opener in Las Vegas, Blashill commented, ‘We’ve got to find ways to get some wins here. If we think there’s a clear delineation, we’ll play those six.’ This statement indicated that Korchinski and Del Mastro had limited opportunities to prove themselves. Korchinski made his season debut in Buffalo alongside Del Mastro, but his performance, reflected in a minus-2 rating and the lowest ice time among defensemen, was challenged.

Coach Blashill refrained from commenting on Korchinski’s play, expressing, ‘I thought (Del Mastro) had a good game.’ Consequently, Korchinski’s on-ice opportunities have been sparse, with little indication he’ll join the lineup unless injuries or off-ice issues alter the current defensive status.

Blashill’s faith in Korchinski is still developing. ‘To build trust, you’ve got to earn it,’ Korchinski observed, emphasizing consistent effort in practice.

Korchinski’s early struggles as a rookie are notable, with 15 points and a minus-39 rating in his initial 76 games. With limited NHL exposure since, his focus has been self-improvement and learning from veterans like Byram and Cole, aiming to integrate their successful habits into his own game.

Depending on circumstances such as Cole’s potentially expiring contract, Korchinski’s breakthrough may align with roster changes. Despite limited playtime, his readiness to step up remains. ‘For me, it’s making sure I’m ready whenever my name’s called,’ he stressed, dedicated to staying prepared for future opportunities.