Blackhawks news and rumors: Sorensen, Korchinski, Nazar, Roenick – The Hockey Writers – Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks just fired their head coach of more than two seasons, and it's clear that a lot of changes are involved in this big move. A new coach has stepped up for the Rockford IceHogs, and he just celebrated his first NHL victory. His presence means that other Blackhawks could be on the big club soon. Also, the Blackhawks will celebrate one of their most famous former players later this month. It's all here in our latest news and rumours.
Sorensen Celebrates 1St NHL Win
In a surprising move, the Blackhawks decided to part ways with their two-season head coach, Luke Richardson, on December 5. Some saw the move as premature, while others thought it was long overdue. General manager Kyle Davidson described this as a necessary decision based on the team being last in the league in the standings. After all, the organization signed many veterans in the offseason and had to take the next step in the rebuild.
Related – Thoughts on the Luke Richardson shooting and the future of the Blackhawks
In Richardson's place, Rockford IceHogs head coach Anders Sorensen has been named interim coach, with the understanding that he will finish the 2024-25 season as the Blackhawks' bench manager.
Sorensen's first order of business was to emphasize an aggressive game plan, focused on speed and zone entries and pushing the pace. In short, focus on offense versus defense. It took the players a few games to process this adjustment, but things seemed to click when they faced the New York Rangers on Dec. 9. The Blackhawks pushed the tempo for most of the contest, and came away with a 2-1 victory to break a five-game losing skid. It was also Sorenson's first NHL win.
first NHL win 🤝 first win for an NHL Head Coach born in Sweden pic.twitter.com/uTlPJXN1Jx
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 10, 2024
This was a sloppy game in many respects, and there is still a lot of work to be done. But a win is a win, and the Blackhawks have shown their potential under the new system. Sorensen has worked for the IceHogs for eight seasons, and has been their head coach for the past four seasons. He has a lot of experience developing Blackhawks prospects, many of whom will be part of Chicago's future rising in contention.
Korchinski Impresses In Season Debut
Speaking of which, 2022 seventh round draft pick Kevin Korchinski was sent back to the IceHogs for the contest against the Rangers. The Blackhawks have had injuries on their blue line recently. Seth Jones hasn't played since Nov. 14. due to a right foot injury, and Alec Martinez is currently living day-to-day with a neck injury he suffered on Dec. 7 against the Winnipeg Jets.
The 20-year-old Korchinski actually played in 76 games with the Blackhawks last season. Due to Canadian Hockey League rules he was ineligible for the American Hockey League. The defenseman has had many ups and downs, as can be expected for such a young player coming straight to the NHL from the CHL.
Related – Blackhawks Send Kevin Korchinski to AHL iRight Move
Therefore, the decision was made for Korchinski to start with the IceHogs this season, in order to fine-tune his game. It was a setback for him, but it ended up doing wonders for his game. Korchinski thrived with the IceHogs, posting two goals and 11 points in 21 games, as one of their top defensemen.
Sorensen and the organization wanted to reward Korchinski for his strong play, which is why he was called up to the Blackhawks' matchup with the Rangers. It was sort of a measurement, to see how the development of a blueliner in the AHL translated to the NHL. Korchinski passed with flying colors.
The junior defenseman registered two shots on goal and one blocked shot in 16:54 minutes of ice time, while back on the second power play unit. At one point in the game, Korchinski did a great job defending Rangers forward and former Blackhawk, Artemi Panarin.
Sorensen called Korchinski's performance “unbelievable” and hinted that he would at least play in the next contest against the New York Islanders on Thursday. (Dec. 12). The coach said, “He is stable defensively. He's still strong back there; he plays his role much better now. What is important to him is that, [since] We wrote him as an attacking defender, we want him to use his strength in those areas.”
It will probably depend on the health of Jones and Martinez, but maybe Korchinski is ready for a long stay with the big club.
When Will Nazar Join The Blackhawks?
In other IceHogs news, the Blackhawks' 13th Overall draft pick (as of 2022) Frank Nazar had a central training camp for the Blackhawks, and he, like Korchinski, started the season with the IceHogs. Turns out he absolutely knocks it out of the park at the AHL level. The 20-year-old currently boasts 11 goals and 24 points in 20 games for the IceHogs, which puts him at the top in many categories.
After a 3-point night tonight against Rockford, Frank Nazar is now tied for 4th in the AHL in goals (11) and is 2nd in the AHL in points (24)
He leads all AHL rookies in both categories #Black people #Snow Pigs #HOT
— Mario Tirabassi (@Mario_Tirabassi) December 5, 2024
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman said in his 32 thoughts on December 9 that Nazar might be called up to the Blackhawks, and ESPN hockey reporter Emily Kaplan followed up on this statement, “For Blackhawks fans wondering when they will see top prospect Frank Nazar I -NHL.. not available, but we are getting closer. Chicago wants its prospects to be extremely mature in the AHL. I believe Nazar's original call-up was later this season, but the timeline has moved up because of how well he's been playing in Rockford.”
Many speculated if Blackhawks forward Joey Anderson cleared waivers on Dec. 9, that will make it easier to summon Nazar. But Davidson said in his newsletter about Sorensen's promotion that he wanted the team to be stable before making any other moves. Therefore, naming Nazar in Sorensen's second game as coach did not fit this narrative.
That said, it appears to be a matter of when, not if, Nazar joins the Blackhawks. Something to keep an eye on in the coming days.
The Blackhawks honored Roenick
Finally, the Blackhawks announced on Dec. 10 that former franchise player Jeremy Roenick will be honored with his latest Hall of Fame induction on Thursday, Dec. 19, when the Blackhawks host the Seattle Kraken.
Celebrating a legend 🙌
Details >> pic.twitter.com/hcXK1I60tv
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 10, 2024
There will be a Q & A session in the Atrium before the game, moderated by Blackhawks radio color analyst and Roenick's former teammate, Troy Murray. In addition, Roenick will “blow the horn” before the game and the Blackhawks will receive a video tribute of him during the televised halftime.
This will be a special night for Roenick and the fans to celebrate his incredible career and impact on the Blackhawks.
Related – Blackhawks Snap 5-Game Losing Skid With 2-1 Win Over Rangers
It's a busy time for the Blackhawks as we approach the Christmas and New Year holidays. There is excitement in the air as the team settles in with their new coach and other new additions to their roster. The Blackhawks have some of their festivities planned, and hopefully some wins! Keep it here at The Hockey Writers for all the latest hockey news, updates and analysis.
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