Kevin Korchinski has spent two full seasons in Rockford since his one taste of the NHL, and the people watching him closest think that wait is finally over.
Rockford IceHogs GM Mark Bernard didn't hold back on where he thinks Korchinski stands heading into camp.
"I think Kevin is ready to stay in the NHL full-time," Bernard said.
Korchinski appeared in 13 games with Chicago last season, posting 2 points and a minus-4 rating in a limited sample.
Bernard pointed to the work Korchinski put in away from the games as the real difference this time around.
"He's really worked hard to craft his game, get better, get stronger. He's put in the work this summer. He looks fantastic," Bernard said.
Chicago finished 29-39-14 last season, 31st overall, a season rough enough that opportunity on the back end should be genuinely available for a defenseman ready to seize it.
Why this camp is different for Korchinski
Bernard framed this camp as the moment for Korchinski to actually cash in on two years of development in the AHL.
"He's spent the last two years down there. It's his time to shine and take advantage of the games he gets in camp and earn the right to be here," Bernard said.
That's a pointed message from the man who watched Korchinski's game grow closest over that stretch.
Korchinski still carries an entry-level cap hit of $918,334, giving Chicago plenty of flexibility if he does force his way onto the opening night roster.
Head coach Jeff Blashill now has a real decision to make on the back end, especially with a rebuild that needs young defensemen to actually take the next step.
Chicago's blue line depth chart could look very different by the time the 23-man roster gets finalized, and Korchinski's performance over these next two weeks may decide exactly how much.
Whether two years in Rockford was enough seasoning is about to get tested in real games, not development camp reps.
Will Kevin Korchinski make the Blackhawks' opening night roster this season?
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