Blackhawks Prospects of the Week: Korchinski Shines, Domination in Brantford

It was a challenge this week to narrow down our Prospects of the Week nominations to just three players. That is just another sign that while things at the NHL level have been down-right miserable at times this season, the future remains as bright as ever. Before we get to our top three youngsters of the week, let’s give out a couple of honorable mentions to a pair of 2023 draft picks. Oliver Moore had a goal and two assists to help the University of Minnesota beat the Wisconsin Badgers over the weekend. Martin Misiak recorded four assists in his four games for the Erie Otters since our last Prospects of the Week post.

Kevin Korchinski – D, Rockford IceHogs

Kyle Davidson’s first draft pick has been developing nicely in the AHL this season. Kevin Korchinski got a nine-game stint with the big club earlier this season, and the improvement was evident. He is more confident in the offensive zone and more assertive on the puck than he was during his rookie season.

Korchinski was a late injury replacement for the AHL All-Star Challenge and made the most of the opportunity. He was a huge part of the Central Division winning the championship. The young defenseman had a goal and four points in their three round-robin games, then scored in the shootout of the championship game. His efforts won him Most Valuable Player honors.

Korchinski’s overall numbers don’t jump off the page, with two goals and 18 points in 34 AHL games. With Louis Crevier, Nolan Allan, and Ethan Del Mastro in Chicago, the second-year pro has had to play a lot of top minutes, which has been wonderful for his development. As the season has progressed in Rockford, Korchinski has become more aggressive and stronger on his stick. He’s winning battles he lost a year ago. There are still inconsistencies in his game, which is typical for a 20-year-old, but they are far less frequent than last season. That’s what you want to see.

Nick Lardis – F, Brantford Bulldogs

We should have a spot reserved for Nick Lardis every week. The 2023 third-round pick has been on quite the run in the Ontario Hockey League. In his four games last week, he had eight goals and 10 points, including a four-goal game against the Sudbury Wolves on Sunday.

Lardis has an incredible 11-game goal streak, which has seen him score 17 goals and 24 points. He leads the OHL with 49 goals, seven ahead of 2025 top draft prospect Michael Misa. He trails Misa by 10 points for the overall scoring lead. When you watch Lardis’ goals, you’ll notice they come from everywhere on the ice. He’s not just a one-trick pony. He signed his entry-level deal with the Blackhawks last April and might see some professional games at the end of this season. That will depend on how far the Bulldogs get in the playoffs. The dynamic winger turns 20 in July, so he will be eligible to play in the AHL next season.

Marek Vanacker – F, Brantford Bulldogs

While Lardis is getting all the attention in Brantford, Marek Vanacker has also been on a hot streak. The 6-foot-1 winger was taken with the Blackhawks’ third first-round pick last June (27th overall). He had a pair of two-goal games this past week, one against North Bay and the other against Sudbury.

Vanacker didn’t make his season debut until late November due to offseason shoulder surgery. His recent hot streak has him up to 12 goals and 21 points in 27 games, all while playing solid defensive hockey, too. He inked his entry-level contract in August. However, he does not turn 20 until April 2026, so he will return to the OHL next season.