Lukas Reichel just made a major case against Luke Richardson and Blackhawks
Lukas Reichel creates case against the Blackhawks that puts them in a pickle
The 22-year old forward Lukas Reichel spent the first four games of the 2024-25 in the press box, and fans have spoken out about the managements mishandling of the young player.
Many believe Reichel doesn't have what it takes to be an NHL caliber player and want him sent down to the AHL Rockford IceHogs, while some believe he should have a full-time lineup spot, instead of some of the aging veterans on the Blackhawks roster.
It wasn't ordinary for Reichel to be scratched, he did not earn a roster spot out of training camp.
Reichel finally got on the board in the teams home opener against the San Jose Sharks, and another assist in their following game against the Buffalo Sabres- which was a 4-2 loss, Reichel was on the fourth line alongside Craig Smith and Pat Maroon.
On the Blackhawks only two goals scored, both by Craig Smith, Reichel assisted on both- there is definitely some chemistry brewing there.
Reichel seems to take advantage of playing with stronger veterans such as Craig Smith, or even Andreas Athanasiou, and that may be Reichel's stepping stone to become a full-time NHL player.
Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) Blackhawks reporter:
Head coach Luke Richardson:
While down two goals, the Blackhawks rallied back in the second period to tie the game at two a side.
Reichel's lack of ice time is a key part in his development stunt
After a rough preseason that earned him healthy scratches in four regular season games, ice time is needed to rebuild confidence- whether that is in the AHL or NHL, Luke Richardson must back the 22-year old up, as his duty as head coach, and not let him die down and burn to the ground with low-confidence.
Reichel now leaves the Blackhawks in a tough spot after two solid performances, do they reward him with a lineup spot in the next game- while sitting a key depth player once again, or do they send him down to the AHL to provide top-line minutes which are key-development aspects of a player as young as Reichel? Time will sure tell..
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