Blackhawks Daily: Korchinski, Lineup Reactions, Scrimmages

The Chicago Blackhawks have a scheduled off day today before a busy week leading up to the start of the team’s preseason schedule.

Kevin Korchinski has a lot riding on this training camp. With the influx of NHL players this offseason, Korchinski could find himself on the outside looking in for a spot in the lineup. While speaking with the media on Saturday, general manager Kyle Davidson indicated the next few weeks could decide where Korchinski starts the season.

“We’ll figure that out and see what what needs to happen for the best situation for [Korchinski’s] development,” said Davidson. “We’ll let the players decide where they should be and and we’ll go from there.”

Rockford very well could be the best spot for Korchinski to improve his game. There are going to be some top prospects in Rockford, making for a competitive roster. Korchinski could highlight that bunch.

“Rockford is a a massive tool in our arsenal to help these players get better,” Davidson said, “and make sure that they’re heading on the right path from a long term standpoint.”

While it is still early, the Blackhawks lines through the start of training camp could be an early indication of some potential opening night lineup plans. Here is what the lines have looked like throughout the start of camp for the forwards.

Taylor Hall — Connor Bedard — Tyler Bertuzzi
Lukas Reichel — Philipp Kurashev — Teuvo Teravainen
Nick Foligno — Jason Dickinson — Ilya Mikheyev
Joey Anderson — Ryan Donato — Landon Slaggert
Pat Maroon — Andreas Athanasiou — Craig Smith
Colton Dach — Frank Nazar — Nick Lardis
Gavin Hayes — Paul Ludwinski — Samuel Savoie
Ryder Rolston — AJ Spellacy — Zach Sanford

One standout line from this group has to be Bedard with Hall and Bertuzzi. Those three could make for a great top line to start the season. Hall and Bedard didn’t have enough time to build chemistry last season. Now with Bertuzzi and Hall, Bedard could break the 100 point mark.

The Foligno, Dickinson and Mikheyev line also could be a group that makes it to opening night. There are definitely more players for Richardson to work with this season.

Starting camp with scrimmages has led to some competition. Players have looked ready to go, showing up in shape and ready to compete for a spot. With today being an off day, the Hawks will inevitable start getting into game mode with a matchup with the Red Wings on Wednesday at home and Friday on the road.

Blackhawks Stories You May Have Missed

• The Chicago Blackhawks addition of Tyler Bertuzzi could be the most impactful move of the summer. Bertuzzi has been playing alongside Connor Bedard to start training camp and if the two develop chemistry Bedard may have found his new linemate.
• Teuvo Teravainen is no stranger to Chicago. The Blackhawks forward won a Stanley Cup in the Windy City before joining the Hurricanes. Now Teravainen returns to Chicago – the same team – with new faces.
• Plenty of young players in Chicago have hopes of making the team and making an impact. Few players have higher expectations from the organization then Lukas Reichel.

From Around The Hockey Now Network

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pittsburgh Penguins made their first round of roster cuts at training camp. Ahead of the Penguins first game of the preseason, the Pens reassigned six young players to their junior teams.

San Jose Hockey Now: The San Jose Sharks finished in last place last year. Looking to jump start the rebuild, Sharks defenseman and alternate captain Mario Ferraro spoke of fans deserving a better result in 2024-25.

Colorado Hockey Now: Across the NHL, teams are hitting the ground running in training camp. The Colorado Avalanche held a scrimmage during practice on Saturday. Chicago has also been holding scrimmages to kick off training camp, giving players an opportunity to compete and stand out early.

Detroit Hockey Now: Detroit Red Wings goaltender Ville Husso struggled with injuries last season. His last full game of NHL action came in December 2023. With preseason hockey starting this week with back to back matchups against Chicago, Husso could get an opportunity to play early in the preseason.