By Gail Kauchak,The Hockey Writers
Copyright yardbarker
Speaking of which, the next right-shot defenseman in line is Artyom Levshunov, who was selected second overall in the 2024 Draft. He has plenty of skill and a super high ceiling. But he’s only 19 years old! He’s also very still inconsistent, and could likely use more seasoning with the IceHogs.
What of Kevin Korchinski? Well, the 21-year-old is the most talented left-shot, offensively-minded defensemen on the roster. I’m guessing the Blackhawks hope his 92 NHL games is enough for him to hold his own as an everyday D-man this season.
Other young depth defensemen in the mix include Nolan Allan (left-shot), Ethan Del Mastro (left shot) and Louis Crevier (right shot).
Final Unknowns on Defense
Then there’s the drama of Wyatt Kaiser (left shot), who hasn’t signed a contract extension yet with the Blackhawks. Why is this taking so long?! Apparently, the two parties can’t come to terms on an agreement. Update: The Blackhawks and Kaiser came to an agreement late Wednesday night, right before camp. The 23-year-old signed a two-year contract with a $1.7 million annual cap hit. Kaiser is a left-shot defenseman who has suited up for 98 NHL games over the last three seasons. Now that he’s signed, he’ll likely be a lock for the starting lineup on opening night.
Finally, the newest wrinkle is left-shot Matt Grzelcyk has been signed to a professional tryout (PTO). Grzelcyk is 31 years old and tallied a goal and 39! assists last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Why would the Blackhawks bring in Grzelcyk, you ask?! He’s just taking a spot from one of the kids! Well, a couple (or more) of said kids might benefit from more time developing in the AHL. So, Grzelcyk provides some insurance for the organization. Remember, he doesn’t have a contract with the Hawks just yet. But if he fits in well at camp, and some of the other blueliners aren’t ready, Grzelcyk could be another experienced veteran on the back end. Besides, better to have him sit as a seventh defenseman, or when someone else might be ready to take that next step. And in all honesty, he might be expendable now that Kaiser has signed.
That makes 10 blueliners for seven spots. Who makes the final cut will definitely be something to keep an eye on at camp.
Can Blashill & Company Start Off on the Right Foot?
Not only is there a ton of youth on a rebuilding roster, but there’s a brand new coach this season as well. Blashill certainly isn’t new to coaching, but his former head coaching experience with the then-rebuilding Detroit Red Wings wasn’t very successful. The good news is the 51-year-old most recently worked for three seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning under head coach Jon Cooper, one of the best in the business.
He also added new assistant coaches Mike Vellucci, who will oversee the forwards and the power play, and Michael Peca, who will be in charge of the forwards and the penalty kill. Sorensen will provide some transition for the new coaching staff, as well as manage the defense. Goaltending coach Jimmy Waite remains as well.
Either way, Blashill has a daunting task ahead of him. The hope is the Blackhawks have more of the right pieces in place than the Red Wings did, but Blashill has to push the right buttons. It will be important for him and the new assistant coaches to earn the trust and respect of the players early on. They’ll be implementing new thoughts and new systems, and it will be key that they communicate well and build strong relationships.
