The Chicago Blackhawks announced last week that they agreed to terms with restricted free agent blueliner Kevin Korchinski on a two-year contract. The contract carries a $1.325M annual cap hit, running through the 2027-28 season.
The 22-year-old was originally selected by the Blackhawks in the first round (7th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft, after the pick was acquired, with two additional picks, from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Alex DeBrincat.
Last season, Korchinski spent most of the season in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs, amassing 26 points (2G, 24A) in 53 games. He also appeared in 13 games with the Blackhawks, where he put up two assists.
Over his pro career, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound defenseman has totaled 19 points (6G, 13A) in 105 career NHL regular-season games. He also competed in 109 career regular-season AHL games with the IceHogs, scoring 53 points (5G, 48A). Korchinski also tallied four points (2G, 2A) in seven Calder Cup Playoff games with the IceHogs in 2025.
During the 2025 season, the defenseman represented Rockford at the 2025 AHL All-Star Challenge and was named the most valuable player of the event, scoring one goal and three assists, along with a shootout goal, in the championship game.