Kyle Davidson Has Made A Decision On Luke Richardson And Lukas Reichel's Fate In Chicago

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Ryan Hall
November 5, 2024 (9:09)

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General manager Kyle Davidson gave an update on his views on how the Blackhawks have been playing over the past few weeks of this season along with his decision on his coach and Lukas Reichel.

It was reported by Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times that Davidson feels that his head coach Luke Richardson is safe in his job. Several pundits and Blackhawks fans felt that Richardson's job was on the line and that he was on the hot seat. Davidson spoke about these rumors and pegged them as ridiculous thoughts and gave his bench boss a vote of confidence.

«I actually like the way we're playing,» Davidson told the Sun-Times on Sunday. «It's unfortunate we just haven't gotten results. That's frustrating. But at the same time, in the bigger picture, we're playing better than last year. There has been definite improvement.»

«We've asked for some improvements in areas [such as] the defensive play, our structure and the resilience of the group, and we have seen some positive strides there,» Davidson said. «Whether it's the team [or] the coaches, whoever you're evaluating, it's still a very incomplete evaluation on the season. I hope to see those things continue to progress, but I do like the strides we've made.»

Davidson also spoke about a rising player within the roster who is forward Lucas Reichel who has shown tremendous growth in his game especially compared to last season. Players like him are vital for the Blackhawks success as he was a first round pick a few years ago and will need to continue to develop.

"[Reichel] looks more confident and more assertive with the puck,» Davidson said. «That's the strength of his game: his speed and skill with the puck and [ability to] make things happen. But you're also seeing him fight for pucks and win those 50/50 battles. Those are all things the coaching staff has asked of him, so it's positive strides.»

Even though the Blackhawks have their inconsistencies, it's clear the team is starting to turn the corner and will need to continue to build and bring in new talented players as this era Blackhawks hockey continues to take shape.