CHICAGO --Kevin Korchinski accomplished a lot in what could be his final season in the Western Hockey League.
Soon, the 19-year-old defenseman prospect will see if he's ready to make the jump to the Chicago Blackhawks and the NHL.
"For me, it's just taking it day by day, just getting stronger every day," Korchinski said at Blackhawks development camp last month. "Obviously the off-ice stuff is stuff I really want to work on this summer. Being in the gym every day, working on my shot. And then when I am on the ice, working on my skating, my skills, my defensive play. Just trying to improve as best I can for training camp to put my best foot forward."
Korchinski finished his fourth season with Seattle of the WHL with a bang; he had 73 points (11 goals, 62 assists) in 54 regular-season games, sixth among league defensemen, and 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) in 19 playoff games, fifth among defensemen. He helped lead Seattle to the WHL championship and a berth in the Memorial Cup final, where it lost to Quebec of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
Korchinski also had four points (one goal, three assists) in seven games to help Canada win the gold medal in the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Seattle coach Matt O'Dette said Korchinski, selected by Chicago with the No. 7 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, made great strides in the WHL last season.
"Clearly, he's an elite offensive player and puck moving defenseman," O'Dette said. "I think he's worked on his defensive play and play away from the puck as well. That's come a long way. He's rounded out his game, being more of a complete defenseman. That's been impressive to see over the past year.
"That being said, he's continuing to develop his offensive game as well. He's learning to shoot the puck more, which is something he needs to do. He has a really good shot; we just don't see it enough. That can be an added threat to his game. Some of his decision-making can take a step, and it did this past year. Obviously, he's got the elite vision and he can make plays a lot of people can't see."
Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson said he expects Korchinski to perform well at training camp in September.
"He's a guy that's got a high-end motor and goes. He can definitely skate in the League," Richardson said. "We want to make sure that he's going to be comfortable and able to defend and do everything else a defenseman has to do in this league to play.
"It's kind of up in the air right now. We want him to show his best. We're confident he's going to be here. When? We don't want to put a label on that right now."
Korchinski has also added a few pounds to his 6-foot-1 frame. Listed at 185 pounds when he was drafted, Korchinski said he's now around 193. He said he wants to put "a bit of weight this summer so that, in training camp, I feel stronger and can battle with men."
Is Korchinski ready for the Blackhawks? He has done a lot to get to this point and will continue to try and make the opening night roster.
"I've made some strides this season with the improvements I made, but I'm just trying to take it day by day, enjoy every day," he said. "Like at this camp for example; just enjoy the time you'll have with these guys, because it's going to be short and then you go back home."
