Blackhawks pick up Kevin Korchinski 7th overall

The Chicago Blackhawks chose Kevin Korchinski with the seventh overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.

Kevin Korchinski

Position: Defense
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 185 lbs
Age: 17
Club: Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Nationality: Canada

(Stats source: EliteProspects.com)

Korchinski is one of the most captivating defensemen available in this year's draft. The swift-skating blue-liner finished second among all WHL defensemen in points and third among all players in assists this season, and he entered the draft as Central Scouting's seventh-ranked North American skater.

Blackhawks fans shouldn't expect Korchinski to break into the NHL right away, but it's often best to give defensemen as much development time as possible. His skating ability and offensive toolkit should have the Chicago faithful excited immediately, regardless of when he makes his mark in the pros.

Chicago acquired the seventh overall pick earlier Thursday in a deal that sent Alex DeBrincat to the Ottawa Senators.

What they're saying

The Athletic's Scott Wheeler had Korchinski 17th on his list of 100 draft-eligible prospects and fourth among defensemen.

"He handles the puck smoothly on his hip, his impressive footwork and maneuverability help him adjust to, away, and around pressure, and then he reads and anticipates the play at a high level so that he can make something happen out of all of his movement and carries," Wheeler wrote.

"I like his stick and his ability to use his feet to defend the rush and disrupt play (though he's a better transition defender than a defensive zone one). His hallmark will always be his near-perfect posture and balance over his skates. He lives and dies trying to guide play with and without the puck with his mobility, pivots, and directional changes. He can take over a game with his ability to transport the puck and roam."

Highlights

Tap here to watch some of Korchinski's highlights.