Let The Kids Play ~ Episode 361

The Chicago Blackhawks wrapped up the road portion of their season on a much more encouraging note compared to last year, and the improvement is starting to feel real. The guys dive into why this season should be viewed as a success when it comes to growth—whether it’s the structure, the competitiveness, or the way younger players are handling bigger roles. It’s not about the standings right now, it’s about building something sustainable, and you can see that foundation starting to take shape heading into next season.

A big part of the conversation centers around Kevin Korchinski and the noticeable shift in how fans are talking about him. Earlier in his development, the criticism was loud, but now that people are seeing the progression, the tone has changed. That leads into a broader discussion about patience—especially when it comes to a prospect like Artyom Levshunov. Development isn’t always linear, and the Korchinski experience should serve as a reminder that young defensemen, in particular, take time.

They also get into what the team should do with André Burakovsky and whether he fits into the long-term vision or if it makes more sense to move on. It’s one of those decisions that could signal how aggressive the front office plans to be this offseason.

To close things out, the guys zoom out and look ahead to the playoffs across the league. With the postseason around the corner, there’s plenty to be excited about—even outside of Chicago—as the next wave of contenders and storylines begins to take shape.

Hosts:

Jarom @ZachJarom

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