Blackhawks News & Rumors: Sorensen, Korchinski, Nazar, Roenick – Hockey Writer – Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks recently fired their head coach after two seasons, and obviously, there's a lot going on with this big move. A new coach has stepped up from the Icehogs in Rockford, and he recently celebrated his first NHL win. His presence means some Blackhawks prospects could soon be on their way to big clubs. Additionally, the Blackhawks will celebrate one of their former iconic players later this month. It's all in our latest news and rumors.
Sorensen celebrates 1Yingshi NHL wins
In a relatively surprising move, the Blackhawks decided to part ways with head coach Luke Richardson after two seasons on Dec. 5. General manager Kyle Davidson explained this as a necessary decision based on the team finishing last in the standings. After all, the organization signed numerous veterans this offseason and should take the next step in its rebuild.
RELATED – Thoughts on Luke Richardson shooting and the future of the Blackhawks
With Richardson steady, Rockford Icehogs head coach Anders Sorensen has been named interim head coach with the understanding that he will serve through the 2024-25 season. Serving as the Blackhawks' bullpen.
Sorensen's first order of business was to emphasize a more aggressive game plan that focused on speed and zone entries and pushing the pace. In short, focus on offense versus defense. It took players a few games to process the adjustments, but something seemed to kick in when they faced the New York Rangers on December 9. The Blackhawks pushed the tempo for most of the game and snapped a five-game skid with a 2-1 win. It was also Sorensen's first NHL win.
First NHL win for Swedish-born NHL head coach pic.twitter.com/utlpjxn1jx
– Chicago Blackhawks (@nhlblackhawks) December 10, 2024
This is a sloppy game in many ways and there is still a lot of work to be done. But a win is a win, and the Blackhawks have shown potential under the new system. Sorensen has been with the Icehogs for eight seasons and has been their head coach the past four seasons. He has plenty of experience developing Blackhawks prospects, many of whom will be part of Chicago's future competition.
Korchinski impresses in season debut
Speaking of which, 2022 seventh overall draft pick Kevin Korchinski was recalled from the Icehogs to play against the Rangers. The Blackhawks have had their fair share of injuries on the blue line of late. Seth Jones has not played since Nov. 14 due to a right foot injury, while Alec Martinez is currently day-to-day with the Winnipeg Jets on Dec. 7 Neck injury suffered by (Winnipeg Jets).
Last season, the 20-year-old Kochinski actually played in 76 games with the Blackhawks. He was ineligible to play in the American Hockey League due to Canadian Hockey League regulations. The defenseman had a lot of ups and downs, which is to be expected from such a young player entering the NHL straight into the CHL.
Relevant – Blackhawks make right move in sending Kevin Korchinski to AHL
Therefore, the decision was made to allow Korchinski to fine-tune his game starting with the Icehogs this season. It was a bit of a step back for him, but it ended up doing wonders for his game. Korchinski thrived for the Icehogs, contributing 2 goals and 11 points in 21 games as one of their top defenders.
Sorensen and the organization wanted to reward Korchinski for his stellar play, which is why he was recalled for the Blackhawks' game against the Rangers. It's a measuring stick to see how the Blueliners' improvements in the AHL translate to the NHL. Korchinski comes in bright colors.
The young defenseman had two shots on goal and one shot in 16:54 minutes of ice time while also being the quarterback's second power play unit. At one point during the game, Koczynski did an outstanding job defending the Rangers' elite forward and noted former Blackhawk, Artemi Panarin.
Sorensen At least Play in their next game against the New York Islanders on Thursday. (December 12). The coach said: “He's settled defensively. He's settled there. He's in a much better position now. The biggest thing for him is [since] We drafted him as an offensive defender and we want him to use his strengths in those areas. “
That may depend on the health of Jones and Martinez, but perhaps Koczynski is ready for a longer stay at a big club.
When will Nazar join the Blackhawks?
In other Icehogs news, Blackhawks '13Th Overall draft pick (from 2022) Frank Nazar had a mediocre training camp for the Blackhawks, and he, like Korchinski, started for the Icehogs ) season. Turns out, he absolutely knocked it out of the park at the AHL level. The 20-year-old currently has 11 goals and 24 points in 20 games, which puts him at the top of many categories.
After having a three-point night for Rockford tonight, Frank Nazar now ranks fourth in the AHL in goals and second in points (24).
He leads all AHL rookies in both categories #blackhawks #CeTohogs #hotr
– Mario Tirabassi (@mario_tirabassi) December 5, 2024
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman mentioned in 32 Thoughts on Dec. 9 that Nazar could be called up to the Blackhawks, ESPN hockey reporter Emily Kaplan ( Emily Kaplan NHL ..not imminent, but we're close Chicago is hoping its prospects will mature in the AHL. It's believed the original plan for Nazar's call was later this season, but due to how well he performed in Rockford, time came. The table went up.”
Many believe that if the Blackhawks clear waivers on December 9, it will help Nazar's appeal. But Davidson mentioned during the presser on Sorensen's promotion that he wanted the team to sit back before making any more moves. So calling out Nazar in Sorensen's second game because the coach didn't exactly go with that narrative.
That said, it appears there's a question of when Nazar will join the Blackhawks. Something to keep an eye on in the coming days.
Blackhawks honor Roy Nick
Finally, the Blackhawks released the news on December 10 that former franchise icon Jeremy Roenick would be on the pitch when the Blackhawks host the Seattle Kraken on Thursday, December 19. , will be honored for his recent Hall of Fame induction.
Celebrate the legend 🙌
Details >> pic.twitter.com/hcxk1i60tv
– Chicago Blackhawks (@nhlblackhawks) December 10, 2024
A Q&A session will be held in the atrium before the game, moderated by Troy Murray, the Blackhawks' radio color analyst and Roenick's former teammate. Additionally, Roenick will “blast the horn” before the game and the Blackhawks will honor him during the first television timeout.
It will be a special night for Roenick and the fans, celebrating his legacy and impact on the Blackhawks organization.
RELATED – Blackhawks beat Rangers 2-1, losing in 5 games
It's a busy time for the Blackhawks as we approach the Christmas and New Year's holidays. There is some excitement in the air as the team goes with a new coach and some new additions to their roster. The Blackhawks have some celebrations of their own lining up and hopefully there will be more wins! For all the latest hockey news, updates and analysis, keep it right here at The Hockey Writers.
