The Maple Leafs could steal a former top-10 pick from the Blackhawks

The Toronto Maple Leafs need roster adjustments to return to competitiveness. Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Kevin Korchinski, drafted seventh overall in 2022, is described as a potential trade target this summer. The Blackhawks are reportedly looking to add a veteran defenseman and give Korchinski a new opportunity. Korchinski is 21 and has not yet matched the form that made him a top pick. In the NHL, he recorded two assists in 13 games. In the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs, he produced 26 points in 53 games and later 27 points in 56 games. His earlier WHL seasons showed much higher offensive output, including 65 points in 2021-22 and 73 points in 2022-23.

"Kevin Korchinski will be dangled in trades this summer according to off the record convos, per CHGO Blackhawks.I believe the Blackhawks want to add a veteran dman and give Korchinski a fresh start.Just remember KK couldn't crack THIS Hawks lineup when making mock trades. pic.twitter.com/eDKBk4D1fr- Crash Dummy (@CrashDummy12x) May 21, 2026"

"Korchinski is still fairly fresh into the league at only 21-years-old, set to become 22 next month. He still has yet to find the groove he had, which eventually made him a top pick a few years ago. Although, to be fair, he's playing on a young Blackhawks team, led by another top pick in Connor Bedard."

"In 13 games played at the NHL level this season, Korchinski was able to record only two points, both assists. He spent more time in the AHL for the Rockford IceHogs, where the 21-year-old put up 26 points (two goals, 24 assists) in 53 games played. In the 2024-25 season, much was the same for Korchinski, where he was only able to, once again, put up two points. This time, a goal and an assist."

"The past couple of seasons have been proof of a major decline compared to how he played for the WHL Seattle Thunderbirds before being drafted. In the 2021-22 campaign, Korchinski placed fourth in the WHL in points by a blueliner (65) and led all Thunderbirds' defencemen in that category. In 2022-23, Korchinski was even more dominant, recording 73 points (11 goals, 62 assists),"

Read at Editor In Leaf