Blackhawks rookie Kevin Korchinski has learned to embrace AHL development: ‘Life is a journey’
ROCKFORD — Blackhawks center Connor Bedard has grown from boy to man at an astonishing rate this season. Ninety miles to the northwest, linebacker Kevin Korchinski has undergone the same transformation.
Korchinski, 21, spoke Wednesday at the BMO Center, home of the IceHogs, about how he has grown over the past two years, becoming more comfortable, grounded and open-minded.
When the 2022 seventh overall pick made his NHL debut with Bedard in October 2023, he had no idea he would be 15 games into his second AHL season in November 2025. The suggestion might have made him uneasy at the time.
“I was 19 and trying to fit in,” Korchinski said. “You don’t really care about your future; you just want to play well.”
But now he not only accepted his mission, he embraced it. As a professional athlete, he learned the patience needed to deal with the unpredictability of life.
“The AHL is a tough league, but … I can play a lot of minutes, use my abilities and try to do things well because I know I can make those games more consistent,” he said.
“It should be better than just getting to the NHL and surviving. It takes a lot of mental effort, losing and not living up to the standards you were used to. It can change your game. I think my confidence is at an all-time high over the past few years, just [by] Being able to play here. “
Now he has a long-term vision in his head that wasn’t entirely present in his youth.
“Obviously you want to be as good a player as he is [you can be] Now, but I want to be the best I can be when I’m 24 or 25 years old,” he said. “I want to be a difference-maker at the next level. The people at this organization know what’s best for me. . . . Life is a journey, you want to learn every day and never set limits on yourself. “
New IceHogs coach Jared Nightingale said that vision doesn’t distract Korchinski.
“It’s rare for a prospect to be on your feet, but he performed well,” Nightingale said. “He’s not sulking because he didn’t get up. He’s taking good steps and trying to improve because he’s still a young player and has a lot of hockey to do. The Blackhawks would be wise to have him here to continue to refine his game.”
The Eagles’ first challenge for Korchinski has been obvious yet tricky. He needs to become more than capable defensively. He needs to become so good that he can stop thinking about it and refocus his attention on the offensive skills that make him a special prospect.
That didn’t happen during his first two pro seasons. In his five-on-five ice time, the Eagles and IceHogs scored 85-48 and 50-34, respectively.
This season, that may change, albeit with a small sample size. Entering Wednesday, he had dished out 10 assists as Rockford outscored opponents 13-8 in his five-on-five rotation.
“Using what I’ve learned over the past few years defensively, [I’m] Not worrying about that too much,” Korchinski said. “It’s more in the back of my mind and it’s more natural now. I gave up a lot less this year than I have in years past, which equated to having more fun [in the offensive] zone, play more games and get more opportunities. “
Korchinski needs time to prove he’s ready to tackle the NHL full-time again, especially with his slender frame as an NHL player.
The Eagles’ current defensive unit is performing well, which also creates obstacles. As a result, organizations end up needing to make some difficult personnel decisions.
Kolchinski has it all down now, though, and he’s willing to keep honing it in Rockford in the meantime.
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This unexpected line of development hasn’t stopped Kolchinski from following the Eagles’ progress this season. He’s especially excited about Bedard, with whom he has developed a close friendship dating back to the 2023-24 season.
“He’s in a state he’s never been in right now,” Korchinski said. “It’s unbelievable. At the same time… we all know, having played with him, that’s the kind of player he is. Maybe he’s not at that level, but let’s just say, I’m not surprised by what he’s done.
“Hopefully he will eventually make the Olympic team. I will support him.”
In addition to serving as alternate captain, Bedard scored three goals on Tuesday to help the Eagles win 5-2, extending their winning streak to six games.
Gavin McKenna’s shaky start to his freshman season at Penn State could derail a projected top-five pick. For the first time in years, though, it’s unclear whether the Eagles will actually draft in this range.
The rookie guard had several breakouts over the course of two weeks before returning to full health on Saturday. Coach Jeff Blashill thinks it comes down to his awareness.
