Between A Rock And A Hard Place

Musings about the AHL for Kevin Korchinski and possibly Artyom Levshunov.

The Chicago Blackhawks sent Kevin Korchinski down to the AHL on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Watching him play in preseason, it’s not hard to see why. Korchinski didn’t produce a point in three games. His physicality (or lack thereof) has been pinned as one of the reasons why he can’t find success in the NHL. His offensive vision is there—despite the lack of production—and he can skate at an NHL level (better than most). But will the AHL benefit Korchinski?

Then there’s Artyom Levshunov. Second overall pick in 2024. It seems that Levshunov has a strong hold on an NHL spot come opening night. Levshunov is physically ready for the NHL. He’s a great skater, and he’s big. Some have serious doubts about his instinct (at both ends of the ice). A lot seem to believe that the AHL is a better place for Levshunov to hone those skills.

Levshunov’s and Korchinski’s analytics aren’t great. Levshunov had an expected goals against rate of 3.26/60 and an actual goals against rate of 3.03/60 in his 18 NHL games. In 16 games last season, Korchinski had an xGA rate of 2.35/60 and an actual GA rate of 2.75/60. There’s no question that both players need work in the defensive zone.

But is the AHL actually a good place for both players?

If you know me, I believe both players should start in the NHL this season. Yes, the NHL is not a developmental league. However, when a team is as bad as the Blackhawks, it could be a better place to hone those NHL-level skills Levshunov and Korchinski already have. The low-stakes environment gives them the opportunity to grow their deficiencies at the NHL level.

To be clear, both players are deficient at defense (as previously pointed out). For Korchinski, it’s a lack of physicality and aggression. For Levshunov, it’s positioning and instinct.

I don’t buy that pressure and struggling at the NHL level will specifically “ruin” them. Or could it?

Proponents of developing in the AHL point out the foundation-building and working on structure before going to the NHL. People against going to the AHL, at least specific to Levshunov and Korchinski, point out the AHL’s dump-and-chase style that doesn’t give Levshunov and Korchinski the “reps” at their respective NHL-ready skillsets. But is that even a valid concern?

The player most Hawks fans point to as an example of “AHL-success” is Duncan Keith, one of the best defensemen in NHL history and the best Blackhawk in the Cup era. Keith spent two years in the AHL before debuting in 2005. Is it really fair to compare the development processes of a player from over 20 years ago?

Devon Toews spent three seasons in the AHL after two years at the NCAA. The fourth round pick is also known for his defensive prowess, not his offensive ability (like Korchinski and Levshunov). Jackson Lacombe spent four years in the NCAA before going to the NHL. He was just signed as the highest-paid player in Ducks history.

Maybe the AHL is better suited for players to hone defensive skills if that’s their calling card. Or maybe puck-movers like Levshunov and Korchinski do benefit from honing their DZ foundations before going to the NHL. But if that’s the case, if those two players need the AHL to hone their defense, should they have been picked at second and seventh overall to begin with?

More questions that lead to questions.