Scout: Jeremy
Chicago Blackhawks
2022 NHL Entry Draft
1st Round Pick
7th Overall Selection by the Chicago Blackhawks
MAIN REPORT
Skating:
Above Average. My initial instinct was that his edgework was elite but his top speed was just OK, but the more I watch him the more I see him blowing by forwards effortlessly. I haven't seen enough to push him into the elite category here, but I could see him getting there.
Puck handling:
Above Average. He's confident with the puck on his stick, and has a big frame to help protect it. If he gets up a head of steam behind his own net he can be a solid entry-exit guy.
Shot:
Average. He's good at floating shots from the point for rebounds, but he doesn't seem to like stepping into slappers or shooting to score.
IQ (vision, offensive and defensive anticipation, panic meter):
Elite offensive IQ, Average defensive. Offensively he's great at getting both himself and the puck to good spots, but on defense he seems to panic when under forecheck pressure and sometimes leaves his mark in front of the net.
Defense:
Average. He has one big thing going for him, and that's his reach. But he doesn't take the body as heavily as a 6'2" guy could, and isn't aggressive for rebounds, loose pucks, or board battles.
Best Asset:
Offensive instincts. There's no doubt some talent here for making perfect passes, joining the rush, and getting shots through.
Biggest Concern:
Compete level. He just looks so disengaged out there. He doesn't battle particularly hard in front of the net, he often fails to get pucks out and coasts on recovery, and he always makes the easy pass instead of pushing the envelope on the PP.
Top Tier Potential:
Tier 1. He definitely has potential for 60-70 points, but I think he'll have to have a good surrounding cast to do so. I don't see him being Josi or Chychrun and leading bad teams in scoring, but his boat should be lifted by a rising tide.
Most Likely Tier:
Tier 2. I don't think the periphs will ever be strong for Korchinski, and while the points and PPP should appear, he's probably assists-heavy, which is an additional minus in fantasy pools.
Stylistic Comparable:
Keith Yandle. A big guy who doesn't hit? An offensive defenseman who doesn't shoot? Without improving on those two blemishes, I think Korchinski becomes the type of guy who is constantly expected to be more impactful than he actually is. He should be a regular, and on good teams he should accumulate a ton of assists, but I don't think he's a fortune-changer for Chicago. Maybe a taller Torey Krug is another comp based on the way he runs the PP.
GAME REPORTS
Date: 3/18/23
League: WHL
Team: Seattle
Opponent: Portland
Score: 4-2 win
Notable Stats (G, A, SOG, TOI, etc): 1 SOG, 19:19 TOI
Passing/Stickhandling:
He's a bit lackadaisical with the puck in his own zone – multiple clearing attempts or passes right to opponents. QBing the powerplay he's got strong instincts though.
Shooting:
He's good at getting his shot through from the point.
Skating:
I'm not sure why yet, but I'm not a fan of his skating stride.. It looks upright and choppy. I'm interested to see him in a footrace. That being said, his backwards skating, pivots, and edgework look solid, so straight line speed and acceleration isn't the end of the world for a D.
Defense:
He's not particularly physical for his frame, but his long reach is a huge asset. His penchant to join the rush does leave openings, but he's pretty good at picking his chances and getting back when needed.
Decision Making/Panic Meter/IQ:
His decision making is questionable at times with the puck. As mentioned above, he has no urgency behind his own net, and I feel he panics under pressure from forecheckers.
Standout skill today:
PPQB ability
What was missing today?:
The breakout passes need to be better at the junior level, because they only get harder to connect on at the AHL or NHL level.
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Date: 4/30/23
League: WHL
Team: Seattle
Opponent: Kamloops
Score: 4-3 win
Notable Stats (G, A, SOG, TOI, etc): 1 A, 1 SOG, 26:26 TOI
Passing/Stickhandling:
Does a good job rushing through the neutral zone to create chances for his team.
Shooting:
Didn't shoot much this game.
Skating:
Quick feet to join rushes.
Defense:
Leaves his post in front of the net at least once.
Decision Making/Panic Meter/IQ:
His defensive IQ is questionable, but his offensive IQ is elite.
Standout skill today:
Skating. I've come around on this since the first game I watched.
What was missing today?:
I'm worried about his compete level. He doesn't seem to have that hardened edge most defensemen do. And these are playoff games!
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Date: 4/18/23
League: WHL
Team: Seattle
Opponent: Prince George
Score: 8-1 win
Notable Stats (G, A, SOG, TOI, etc): 3 A, 5 SOG, 5 BLK, 19:34 TOI
Passing/Stickhandling:
His passing on the PP is still crisp, but I worry that he's more of a passive QB/facilitator. He rarely strays from the blue line and steps into a shot or closes in to create pressure. He seems content to swing it from side to side casually.
Shooting:
More good wristers from the point. Does pass up more opportunities than he takes though.
Skating:
The skating looks better today. His stride isn't very aggressive, but he does pick up some speed.
Defense:
He uses his edgework and reach to calmly push opponents towards the wall.
Decision Making/Panic Meter/IQ:
Really nice passes in the zone and through the neutral zone.
Standout skill today:
Defense
What was missing today?:
I'd like to see him shoot the puck with the intention of scoring more. He makes a lot of nice feather shots and passes, but not a ton of aggressive attempts on net.
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