Blackhawks extend contract with former top draft pick Korchinski

The Chicago Blackhawks have extended their partnership with defenseman Korchinski, signing him to a new two-year contract. According to reports, his average annual salary over the deal will be $1.325 million.

The 22-year-old blueliner joined the organization after being selected seventh overall in the 2022 NHL draft, a high pick that signaled major expectations early in his career. So far, however, Korchinski has not managed to lock down a permanent spot in the Blackhawks' NHL lineup.

Last season's struggles

In the most recent season, the defenseman played just 13 games for Chicago, registering two assists. He spent most of the campaign with the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL, where he tallied 26 points (2 goals, 24 assists) in 53 games.

A stronger NHL debut

Korchinski made his NHL debut in the 2023-2024 season, when he spent the entire year at the top level without being sent to the farm team. That season he played 76 games for the Blackhawks, scoring five goals and adding 10 assists. It remains the only season of his career in which he stayed exclusively in the NHL.