Blackhawks Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines – Korchinski’s Start, Injuries & More

The Chicago Blackhawks finished their season-opening road trip 0-3-0. Saturday night’s game against the Buffalo Sabres, despite ending in a 4-3 loss, was the better game in terms of effort and staying in the game.

Here’s everything to look out for this week in Chicago as the team gets ready for the home opener.

Kevin Korchinski Might Be What Chicago Needed

The Hawks’ defensemen have been struggling quite a bit, to say the least. Head coach Jeff Blashill mentioned after the blowout loss to the Utah Mammoth that he would consider starting Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro against Buffalo.

Blashill admitted that he liked Del Mastro’s performance better than Korchinski’s, but in my eyes, Korchinski had the better performance that included a good cut to the net with about seven minutes left in the first period.

“I thought Delly had a good game. I thought Delly played with some swagger out there. Nobody’s perfect, but I thought he had a good game,” Blashill said (from ‘Kevin Korchinski is growing confidence, but Jeff Blashill’s trust is a work in progress,’ New York Times, Oct. 3, 2026).

“I thought our compete and swagger was way better,” Blashill said. “That’s more the standard that we want to play with. Obviously you’re going to make mistakes, and you want to learn and grow. That’s what we’ll focus on” (from ‘Blackhawks’ disastrous opening trip ends with late loss to Sabres,’ Chicago Sun Times, Oct. 3, 2026).

Korchinski signed a two-year, $2.65 million contract on Aug. 29, and Saturday’s game in Buffalo might be what the Hawks needed after two tough losses.

Bowen Byram had a family matter, and Sam Rinzel was a healthy scratch, prompting Korchinski and Del Mastro to replace them in the lineup. This season is a “prove it” campaign for the 22-year-old. The talent is there, but it’s a matter of finding consistency.

Injury Reports

Andrew Mangiapane sustained a lower-body injury prior to the season opener against the Vegas Golden Knights. He’s currently day-to-day.

The biggest story surrounding Connor Bedard is that he’s been seen skating more after undergoing shoulder surgery in early July. According to Frank Seravalli, Chicago is now in the “three-week window” for Bedard to return to the lineup.

With the offensive struggles, it’s pretty obvious that the team needs Bedard. He’s expected to return possibly in early November, maybe earlier, after the clips I’ve seen across social media of how quickly he’s progressing in his rehab.

Schedule This Week

The Hawks’ home opener will be against none other than their rival St. Louis Blues. It’s the first home game as a Hawk for Patrick Kane since being traded to the New York Rangers on Feb. 28, 2023. If there’s one word to describe how the crowd reaction will be when his name is announced, it’s electric.

Their first game against the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday will be another test for Chicago.