Three Blackhawks Prospects Excelling in the Calder Cup Playoffs

The Rockford IceHogs are still undefeated in the Calder Cup Playoffs. After sweeping the Chicago Wolves in the best-of-three play-in series, the IceHogs are up 2-0 on the Milwaukee Admirals in the best-of-five Central Division Semifinals. Three of the four postseason wins, including both in this series, have come on the road. Rockford can close out their series by beating the Admirals on home ice tonight.

The IceHogs have used a balanced roster to achieve their playoff success. They have the right mix of AHL veterans, such as Joey Anderson, Zach Sanford, and Gerry Mayhew, to play alongside a talented group of legitimate NHL prospects. Throw in a goaltender playing the best hockey of his young career, in Drew Commesso, and the IceHogs might be embarking on an extended playoff run this spring.

Three of these NHL prospects have taken their games to the next level during the postseason and are being rewarded for it.

Kevin Korchinski

The start of Kevin Korchinski’s professional career has been a bit of a roller coaster. He had to play the entire 2023-24 season in the NHL because of the CHL age restrictions, and while he showed flashes of the player he can be, it was a tough season for the young blueliner. He’s done well in the AHL this season and was even named the MVP of the All-Star Classic in February.

Korchinski finished the regular season with his second stint in the NHL and saved his best hockey for the playoffs. He has two goals and four points in four games, including this assist on Anderson’s goal last weekend.

“He’s a world-class skater,” head coach Mark Eaton said. “He’s a mover and smart with the puck. I think he’s really playing to his strengths right now. He’s elusive and good on his edges. He’s making a good crisp first pass and putting our forwards in positions to continue the offense.”

Skating is Korchinski’s best asset, and he’s using it wonderfully in the playoffs. He’s moving the puck with confidence and a bit of swagger. The Admirals have spent the first two games trying to intimidate the IceHogs with their physical play. Korchinski has not backed down from any of it, which is encouraging. To see a young player save his best hockey for when it matters most is an excellent sign of things to come.

Gavin Hayes

It’s been a rough first professional season for Gavin Hayes. He suffered a sprained shoulder against the Iowa Wild on Dec. 28, costing him two months of his season. At the time of the injury, he had only two goals and five points in 29 games. In the 21 games since returning on Feb. 28, Hayes scored three goals and 10 points.

“It’s tough when you lose a big portion of the season because of an injury,” Eaton said. “He’s played with Savvy most of the year, so they have that chemistry. He’s a really smart player. He’s learning what it takes to be successful at this level. With this speed, physicality, and skill level, he’s settling in and adjusted.”

Hayes started to find his footing in the final month of the regular season, scoring three goals and seven points in the final nine games. He’s carried that over into the postseason with two assists and 11 shots on goal in four games. The soon-to-be 21-year-old forward has found chemistry on the third line with Samuel Savoie. Rockford’s bottom six has been key to their 2-0 series lead, establishing a relentless forecheck against the Admirals that has worn them down in both games.

Aidan Thompson

Last month, Aidan Thomspon went straight from the Frozen Four with the University of Denver into the stretch run with the IceHogs. His transition into the pro ranks has been seamless. After one assist in his four regular-season games, he has a goal and three points in the playoffs.

“He’s another one with a high hockey IQ,” Eaton said. “He’s hit the ground running in his pro career. He’s scored his first professional goal, and that’s a big deal for an offensive player. He is responsible on both sides of the puck. He’s got a good head for the game and has given us some great nights.”

The first thing that sticks out for Thompson is his speed. His skating is so effortless that he looks like he’s not moving at all, then he blows by a defender like they are standing still. He’s been centering the third line with Savoie and Hayes, and they have been a difference-making combination for the IceHogs. He’s not afraid to go to the dirty areas of the ice to win a puck battle and will absorb contact to make a play.

Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson has emphasized building a winning culture since taking the job. While we haven’t seen much winning at the NHL level, this playoff run is so important for the rebuild. Having this many prospects contributing and learning to win meaningful games together will go a long way toward the organization’s future success.