One thing that I find interesting lately, is how much more rope Levshunov is being given with the fan base compared to Korchinski. Each one had a rough first full NHL season on a bad Blackhawks team, but the fan reaction in my opinion has been much more light/forgiving on Levshunov’s defensive mistakes. I put together a small comparison of their seasons.
Levshunov – 25/26 – age 20 – Just under 20 minutes TOI – Plux/Minus -41 Most common partner (Kaiser) – came to the NHL after 1 pro-season mostly in the AHL.
Korchinski – 23/24 – age 19 – Just under 20 minutes TOI – Plux/Minus -39 – Most common partner (Megna) – left junior to go pro and played in the NHL.
5v5
Levshunov – 1G – 11P
Korchinski 4G – 6P
Relative stats
Levshunov -1.01 CF% -3.19 FF% -11.85 GF% -2.81 xGF% 0.976 PDO 65.48% OZone starts
Korchinski 0.98 CF% 0.39 FF% -6.05 GF% -2.42 xGF% 0.966 PDO 57.2% OZone starts
Levshunov had 11 Powerplay points to Korchinski’s 7 however is significantly more PP minutes. The Hawks are a slightly better team, so the relative numbers maybe rose a bit. We have a better coach, but arguably Levshunov was worse defensively and that was with a pro season under his belt already, not jumping in from a junior. I like Levshunov, I like his attitude and enthusiasm, but I question if he should start the year in the NHL or if he should (because he is waiver exempt) start the year in Rockford until injuries clear up a spot or he picks up his game at the pro level. With Byram coming in to be PP1 QB, they can take their time with Levshunov a bit more. I don’t know if Korchinski will carve out a role, but he will get claimed on waivers if they send him down, so maybe they give him a longer look with a bit more role now that he is 22 years old. (still so young)