Based on 1417 games played in the NHL. There is no pressure on him at all for now. Sure he wants to win, who doesn't, but I'm sure he's in touch with reality and understands they are rebuilding right now and probably has experienced a thing or two on how a good rebuild looks like and how a bad one does. My money says KD listens closely to what LR says when it comes to players evaluation and if they should be seasoned more or stay in the big leagues.

This doesn't work unless the entire org is on the same page.
- BetweenTheDots

Entire organization is on the same page....it's been verbally hammered home every chance they get. They also hired a guy who helped develop some nice D prospects in Boston and very well could be this next wave's version of the immortal Trent Yawney.

I guess in typical Canadian fashion I’m on the fence on this one. I understand that the global community are punishing Russia for starting an illegal war by attacking a sovereign country for no reason and committing horrendous atrocities against civilians. The idea is to isolate Russia in an attempt to get them to stop. But the Russian athletes have done nothing to be punished for. In the past they’ve made Russian teams play without their Russian colours, flag , name and anthem. Figure something out and let them play.
- paulr

And we and many other have never done that?

I believe no governments on anything, so keep the politics out of athletics

I guess in typical Canadian fashion I’m on the fence on this one. I understand that the global community are punishing Russia for starting an illegal war by attacking a sovereign country for no reason and committing horrendous atrocities against civilians. The idea is to isolate Russia in an attempt to get them to stop. But the Russian athletes have done nothing to be punished for. In the past they’ve made Russian teams play without their Russian colours, flag , name and anthem. Figure something out and let them play.
- paulr

You have described the issue fairly, imo. It is cool these days to see complex issues as easy, and cut-and-dried; when most are pretty messy. I would say the athletic boycott is acceptable if there is a reasonable chance it would work. Given that Vlad is a dictator, and that the boycott hasn't had an impact; I'd let the kids play, too.

And we and many other have never done that?

I believe no governments on anything, so keep the politics out of athletics
- vabeachbear

Unfortunately politics is part of athletics, what begins every professional game in North America? What ends a championship game in Olympics, world juniors etc? I agree with you, keep politics out of sports. I’d prefer every NHL game begin without the National Anthem. But I’m betting I’m in a minority.

Based on 1417 games played in the NHL. There is no pressure on him at all for now. Sure he wants to win, who doesn't, but I'm sure he's in touch with reality and understands they are rebuilding right now and probably has experienced a thing or two on how a good rebuild looks like and how a bad one does. My money says KD listens closely to what LR says when it comes to players evaluation and if they should be seasoned more or stay in the big leagues.

This doesn't work unless the entire org is on the same page.
- BetweenTheDots

I’m sure Davidson does listen closely to Richardson. And, as you point out with his security, hopefully LR believes in the long term good term good of the team. I just don’t want to see KK become the next Nick Leddy, Erik Karlsson or an oldie Tomas Kaberle, defensemen who were very good offensively but were awful in their own zones.

I’m sure Davidson does listen closely to Richardson. And, as you point out with his security, hopefully LR believes in the long term good term good of the team. I just don’t want to see KK become the next Nick Leddy, Erik Karlsson or an oldie Tomas Kaberle, defensemen who were very good offensively but were awful in their own zones.
- paulr

I believe in an odd way LR job would be on the line if he wasn't on the same page. Just watching how he handles himself, interviews, LR seems to be very confident in himself. There's also the situation with Reichel how he was bouncing up and down and how Luke was supportive about it and explaining the little things or in game moments where he actually says no no no you may be able to get away with that in the A but not in the NHL.

I’m sure Davidson does listen closely to Richardson. And, as you point out with his security, hopefully LR believes in the long term good term good of the team. I just don’t want to see KK become the next Nick Leddy, Erik Karlsson or an oldie Tomas Kaberle, defensemen who were very good offensively but were awful in their own zones.
- paulr

Yep, I don't want that. The question, imo, is whether he'll get better in his own end playing in the WHL, or the NHL. In my view, a player is best served playing at the highest level he can emotionally (will he be emotionally crushed by the experience?) and physically handle. The former is very underrated, imo. Alas, I'm not qualified to judge KK in either area.

Entire organization is on the same page....it's been verbally hammered home every chance they get. They also hired a guy who helped develop some nice D prospects in Boston and very well could be this next wave's version of the immortal Trent Yawney.
- SteveRain

As usual, it's not a black and white scenario it's mostly gray. He can't play in the "A." How much can be gained going back to juniors vs practicing and playing with the big team and picking his spots. Where is he mentally vs physically? I think they will make the right decision if there is a right decision and there probably isn't.

Hypothetical question:

KK starts the season with the Hawks and plays well until late November early December.

His play drops off then.

Can the Hawks let him play WJ and then assign him to WHL to finish the season?

Then come back to the Hawks when the WHL season ends?

Gets a taste of NHL / play WJ tournament / hopefully dominate WHL / return to NHL .

No?

Exhale….

Yep, I don't want that. The question, imo, is whether he'll get better in his own end playing in the WHL, or the NHL. In my view, a player is best served playing at the highest level he can emotionally (will he be emotionally crushed by the experience?) and physically handle. The former is very underrated, imo. Alas, I'm not qualified to judge KK in either area.
- mohel

I think if any mistake occurs it will be because the player is moved up too soon. If a player is advanced to the NHL and thrives, great, if he improves even better. But what if he makes the Hawks then goes sideways, like Kirby Dach? You can no longer put him in junior so he either plays and loses his confidence or he sits in the press box. What are the pros to continuing in the WHL? Getting stronger physically, playing against guys who won’t overwhelm him. Allowing him to focus on weaker aspects of his game. Playing on a very good junior team who have a chance at the playoffs and Memorial Cup. Playing a lead, and possibly leadership role on Canada’s World Junior team. All of these situations develop a player in many ways. I think it’s best to err on the side of caution. As I’ve said before there’s no hurry unless a player is unquestionably ready. And I’ve heard many questions about KK’s defensive game.

Yep, I don't want that. The question, imo, is whether he'll get better in his own end playing in the WHL, or the NHL. In my view, a player is best served playing at the highest level he can emotionally (will he be emotionally crushed by the experience?) and physically handle. The former is very underrated, imo. Alas, I'm not qualified to judge KK in either area.
- mohel

Well said....I think this, like rpeters, paul, and others is the rub. IF he is by far the best player on the ice in juniors what is he gaining? Like an "A" player in mens league skating with D players. I think if this scenario plays itself out, he is on the club all year, outside of a stint at WJC, IF the organization feels he can benefit from that.

My other worry is what veteran D man on this team will take this kid under his wing outside of dean and LR? Help this kid out.....keep his confidence up because he will make mistakes.

To Paul's point, and I agree, if he's not polished all the way around, that will be exposed quickly regardless of how good he is offensively.

All good problems to have.....just need to trust the process and nobody here is qualified to make that call.

If anyone has been paying attention to how KD is handling the prospects, I have a feeling KK will likely play in the WHL this season. He'll then be in Rockford for most of the following year where he will be gaining experience playing against opponents of comparable size and speed. He'll be an old man of 21 by the time he plays regularly for the Hawks in the 2025-26 season.

I believe in an odd way LR job would be on the line if he wasn't on the same page. Just watching how he handles himself, interviews, LR seems to be very confident in himself. There's also the situation with Reichel how he was bouncing up and down and how Luke was supportive about it and explaining the little things or in game moments where he actually says no no no you may be able to get away with that in the A but not in the NHL.
- BetweenTheDots

Agreed.....I get the same vibe from LR. He seems to understand the big picture and isn't pressing to pull the Art Howe "explain things"......rest of the league knows this team is on the rebuild so is any organization in the future going to hold LR back from a job interview or hire because he didn't press a young team to win when they weren't ready? Or does he get better marks because he was an organizational team guy willing to suffer through a few losing seasons, waiting for kids to be NHL, BUT got maximum effort from his nHL roster night in and night out?

Hawks were way more competitive last year than I ever thought they would be given their crap roster. That's coaching. Those players were engaged from day 1 until the finish. He didn't lose the room.....this isn't that sack of $hit JC.......

Hypothetical question:

KK starts the season with the Hawks and plays well until late November early December.

His play drops off then.

Can the Hawks let him play WJ and then assign him to WHL to finish the season?

Then come back to the Hawks when the WHL season ends?

Gets a taste of NHL / play WJ tournament / hopefully dominate WHL / return to NHL .

No?

Exhale….
- mike7076

I think he can only play 9 games (or is it 10?) in the NHL. More than that and he can't be sent back to the juniors. But if he plays less than that number before being sent back to juniors, your scenario is possible.

A question for those who would venture to answer.

How does Korchinski at this stage compare to folks like Leddy, Harju, and Boqvist at similar points in Their careers?
- busmaster

About the same, they are all busts.

I think he can only play 9 games (or is it 10?) in the NHL. More than that and he can't be sent back to the juniors. But if he plays less than that number before being sent back to juniors, your scenario is possible.
- boilermaker100

I don't know if he can be sent down, but if he plays the 10th game i believe his contract doesn't slide.

I think if any mistake occurs it will be because the player is moved up too soon. If a player is advanced to the NHL and thrives, great, if he improves even better. But what if he makes the Hawks then goes sideways, like Kirby Dach? You can no longer put him in junior so he either plays and loses his confidence or he sits in the press box. What are the pros to continuing in the WHL? Getting stronger physically, playing against guys who won’t overwhelm him. Allowing him to focus on weaker aspects of his game. Playing on a very good junior team who have a chance at the playoffs and Memorial Cup. Playing a lead, and possibly leadership role on Canada’s World Junior team. All of these situations develop a player in many ways. I think it’s best to err on the side of caution. As I’ve said before there’s no hurry unless a player is unquestionably ready. And I’ve heard many questions about KK’s defensive game.
- paulr

I try very hard not to get wrapped up in prospects....but curious who/reputable person is questioning his defensive game? I know they cover a lot more hockey up in your neck of the woods than down here.

I think if any mistake occurs it will be because the player is moved up too soon. If a player is advanced to the NHL and thrives, great, if he improves even better. But what if he makes the Hawks then goes sideways, like Kirby Dach? You can no longer put him in junior so he either plays and loses his confidence or he sits in the press box. What are the pros to continuing in the WHL? Getting stronger physically, playing against guys who won’t overwhelm him. Allowing him to focus on weaker aspects of his game. Playing on a very good junior team who have a chance at the playoffs and Memorial Cup. Playing a lead, and possibly leadership role on Canada’s World Junior team. All of these situations develop a player in many ways. I think it’s best to err on the side of caution. As I’ve said before there’s no hurry unless a player is unquestionably ready. And I’ve heard many questions about KK’s defensive game.
- paulr

In general, I think you get better by playing against people a bit better than you. As long as the player can handle the process.

I don't know enough to opine on what is right for this kid. Would you choose the AHL or the WHL for him if that choice were allowed?

I try very hard not to get wrapped up in prospects....but curious who/reputable person is questioning his defensive game? I know they cover a lot more hockey up in your neck of the woods than down here.
- SteveRain

The coaches for Team Canada didn't trust him in the WJC. Granted he was the youngest D man on the roster, but the last few rounds he saw less and less ice time. Also, on Seattle, it was N. Allen that was getting the tougher defensive assignments (and about the same TOI) as KK in the playoffs. doesn't mean he is bad defensively, just that in his peer group, it appears coaches trusted others more, so that questions some if he is ready defensively

My question is did KK go up against the opponents best lines game after game? If not then I'd say he still has things to learn in the WHL.

The coaches for Team Canada didn't trust him in the WJC. Granted he was the youngest D man on the roster, but the last few rounds he saw less and less ice time. Also, on Seattle, it was N. Allen that was getting the tougher defensive assignments (and about the same TOI) as KK in the playoffs. doesn't mean he is bad defensively, just that in his peer group, it appears coaches trusted others more, so that questions some if he is ready defensively
- LAHawk

Thanks for answering my question

The coaches for Team Canada didn't trust him in the WJC. Granted he was the youngest D man on the roster, but the last few rounds he saw less and less ice time. Also, on Seattle, it was N. Allen that was getting the tougher defensive assignments (and about the same TOI) as KK in the playoffs. doesn't mean he is bad defensively, just that in his peer group, it appears coaches trusted others more, so that questions some if he is ready defensively
- LAHawk

Thanks......see how he does in the preseason.

The coaches for Team Canada didn't trust him in the WJC. Granted he was the youngest D man on the roster, but the last few rounds he saw less and less ice time. Also, on Seattle, it was N. Allen that was getting the tougher defensive assignments (and about the same TOI) as KK in the playoffs. doesn't mean he is bad defensively, just that in his peer group, it appears coaches trusted others more, so that questions some if he is ready defensively
- LAHawk

Team Canada seems to favour older players in this tournament, with some exceptions of course. Whether KK is in Chicago or Seattle I think he'll play in the WJC again and be on Canada's top pair this time.

I try very hard not to get wrapped up in prospects....but curious who/reputable person is questioning his defensive game? I know they cover a lot more hockey up in your neck of the woods than down here.
- SteveRain

I saw Seattle play and in crucial defensive situations Korchinski wasn’t on the ice. In the world juniors he wasn’t on the ice defensively. Most of the draft analysis last year mentioned his defensive game was lacking. And the few games I’ve seen on TV he didn’t show as being strong without the puck. He wasn’t terrible but he wasn’t in position many times, he wasn’t physically dominant moving players off the puck.

In general, I think you get better by playing against people a bit better than you. As long as the player can handle the process.

I don't know enough to opine on what is right for this kid. Would you choose the AHL or the WHL for him if that choice were allowed?
- mohel

So long as it’s developmental I think the best situation is where the best coaches are. In each case he gets to play in the World Juniors and in the AHL he gets to play against men to gage his strength and size. The CHL allows younger players to play if they are granted Exceptional Status. Maybe it’s something the CHL and AHL can explore?