The Chicago Blackhawks have made some roster moves, assigning forward Frank Nazar, defenseman Kevin Korchinski, and defenseman Louis Crevier to their minor league affiliate. Additionally, young forward AJ Spellacy has been sent to the Ontario Hockey League after an impressive training camp.
Nazar, a 20-year-old forward, was drafted in the first round in 2022 and made his NHL debut last season, scoring a goal. With a crowded lineup this year, the Blackhawks decided it would be best for Nazar to get more playing time and experience in the minors.
Korchinski, on the other hand, was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2022 draft and had a decent season last year with five goals and 10 assists. The coaching staff believes that some time in the minors will allow him to further develop his skills and gain confidence on the ice.
Chicago’s head coach, Luke Richardson, explained that the decision to send these young players down was to ensure they have the opportunity to play significant minutes, including power play and penalty kill time, which might not have been possible if they stayed with the main team.
The Blackhawks have trimmed their camp roster to 28 players, with the season opener approaching. Richardson emphasized the importance of allowing these young players to flourish and grow in the minors, showcasing the talent that the organization saw when they were drafted.
As the team gears up for their opening game in Utah, these roster moves signal a commitment to the development and success of their young prospects. It will be exciting to see how Nazar, Korchinski, and the other prospects progress in their respective leagues and potentially make an impact in the NHL in the future.