Korchinski trying to get into a rhythm with Blackhawks

Like many kids, Blackhawks defenseman Kevin Korchinski was forced to take piano lessons growing up.

Over time, though, hockey became a huge priority, thus killing any thought Korchinski would turn into the next Chopin or Rachmaninoff.

Still, Korchinski has an appreciation for music. So when he noticed many Canadian teammates playing guitar at World Juniors, he thought, "Why not?"

"We have a lot of downtime where you want to keep your mind busy," Korchinski said. "I just wanted to better myself and get better at something every day. It kind of grows you in all aspects of your life."

The 19-year-old enjoys strumming Luke Bryan songs and may dabble with some Coldplay if his skills improve.

Before the season started, many of us may have suggested Korchinski learn "Traveling Man" by Zach Bryan or "On the Road Again" by Willie Nelson. That's when we thought the Hawks would keep Korchinski around until December, ship him to World Juniors, then possibly send him back to the Seattle Thunderbirds - his junior team in the Western Hockey League.

But after hearing coach Luke Richardson talk last week, it's pretty clear Korchinski's new lick should be "Sweet Home Chicago."

"He's a really important piece to our team right now and there's been no discussion of him going anywhere," Richardson said. "That's unlikely (he'll go to World Juniors)."

Now that Korchinski has played in 12 contests, the first year of his three-year contract has been burned. (General managers can send players like Korchinski back to juniors before Game 10 to prevent this from happening).

Korchinski, who helped Canada win a gold medal at the 2023 World Juniors, said he trusts the staff with his development. Stay or go, he's cool with either decision.

"I just want to be able to improve as much as I can," Korchinski said. "It's awesome just to be around the guys. It's been a lot of fun.

"I just love playing hockey," he said. "And obviously World Juniors is a special occasion. You only get a couple cracks. Last year was a great experience and whether I would stay here or go there I'd be happy."

It's been a mixed bag for Korchinski thus far. His first goal came on a lucky bounce off a defender's skate during the Hawks' 5-3 victory over Tampa Bay on Thursday. He also has 3 assists and is averaging 19 minutes, 10 seconds of ice time - second-highest among Hawks D-men.

Korchinski is also finding out how little mistakes can turn into big disasters in a hurry.

To wit:

• In the first period of the Hawks' 4-2 loss to New Jersey on Sunday, Korchinski failed to stop a bouncing puck at the offensive blue line. A split second later, Max Willman motored down the ice on a breakaway and fired a shot past Arvid Soderblom to give the Devils a 2-1 lead. An NHL defenseman cannot fumble a puck in such a vulnerable spot.

• In the Hawks' 8-1 loss at Arizona on October 30, Korchinski didn't react quickly enough when the puck found its way to Jack McBain. It was one of those in-tight plays just feet from the goaltender. McBain got a quick shot away that was saved by Petr Mrazek, but the rebound went right to Josh Brown, who sent it home to give the Coyotes a 2-1 lead.

• Korchinski's lost board battles against Boston on October 24 and Vegas on October 27 resulted in the puck going to the point for long-range one-timers. Both found their mark.

These type of miscues are big reasons why Korchinski had a team-worst minus-8 rating.

"(I need to) be more aware and more cautious on little details that can make a big difference," Korchinski said. "Stick placement. Your gap. Your skating. Little things like that where the best players in the world can make you pay."

Still, the rookie is grateful Richardson is allowing him to play through the mistakes.

"Having a coach trust you like that is really special and makes you feel good on the ice," Korchinski said. "(It allows) you to play your game. Luke has been awesome teaching and mentoring me (with) little things that he's noticed."

And who knows? Perhaps that first goal strikes a chord with Korchinski.

"It's a big deal," Richardson said. "It's a big deal to get to the NHL and it's a big deal to get your first goal.

"Maybe that even grows more confidence into a young player once they get that zero erased. ... Maybe he gets more confidence to shoot the puck even more and get more chances to get more goals."