Lets Go

I think this is almost exactly how I would line them up to begin the season, especially the top two lines. My only caveat is, unless Korchinski blows managements socks off, he should be sent back to Seattle after his nine game stint.

Yep. Seems pretty solid to me. Agree with @Snowhawk18 on Korchinski. He would benefit from another season in the WHL.

If they determine that he is not ready, the only reason to keep him up for any amount of time would be to burn the first year of his contract. In which case, he will need to stay for at least 10 games. So, either send him down before the season opener or after 10 games. Other than that, I agree. This is pretty much what I expect, as well.

I know this will be unpopular, but I don't think there is much left for Korchinski in the WHL.

I understand he can't go to the AHL, the only other option is the WHL where he will be a leader on his team, potentially play big minutes for Canada at the WJC.. but I do not believe the WHL will be the best place for him to continue to develop his defensive play.

He will have to earn his spot out of camp, with Kaiser, Vlasic, Philips nothing is guaranteed.

Being around Jones, Murphy and even some of the veteran forwards might be the best way to learn how to play NHL level defense, learn how to handle the demands of the NHL and take care of your body.

Yeah. That is definitely a valid point. BUT!!! I think he can still learn some defense in the WHL. Seattle won't be nearly as much of a possession driven team this season. So, he will be able to get a lot more time in his own end. If he were going back to essentially the same roster, I would be more concerned with his defensive development. His offense could definitely take a hit on a less offensive team, and that makes me more worried about his confidence taking a hit and mucking up his development. Seattle's coach would have to be on the same page with getting him more defensive reps too. Otherwise the whole idea of sending him back to work on his defensive game is moot.

Regardless, there is always more to learn and it isn't going to hurt him or stunt his growth to go back. That entire notion is just leftover from the Bowman era of "rushing everyone to the NHL so they can help us win more cups with Kane and Toews." Two years in junior after being drafted is reasonable and normal. I think too many people look at his point totals and see a finished, or close to finished, product. Points are not everything and if you actually watched a lot of his play last year, he has a ton to learn. Which is great because he already very good and he isn't even done cooking. But, sure... he could learn some things at the NHL level if he stays... Or he could get in over his head, overwhelmed, destroy his confidence, stunt his development, and end up being none of the things CHI needs him to be. We'll see in camp, I guess.