Lukas Reichel just made a major case against Luke Richardson and Blackhawks

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Sam Walker
October 21, 2024 (8:56 PM)

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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.

«This is an opportunity league. Opportunities are small or big, depending on who you are.»

Said Craig Smith.

Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) Blackhawks reporter:

Reichel barely got on the ice in the first period, a period in which the Hawks were dreadful. The Sabres pounced on a lifeless Hawks group to go up two-zip in the opening period. Head coach Luke Richardson thought that cost the Blackhawks two points in the standings.

Head coach Luke Richardson:

"The first period, we just didn't skate and match the intensity. Kind of like that first period of the year, we just didn't play well at all, so that cost us the game tonight. ... It takes a lot to get it going halfway through the game. They did a good job of that,

While down two goals, the Blackhawks rallied back in the second period to tie the game at two a side.

Then Smith lit the lamp again in the second period with a rebound shot off of Reichel's miss. It was good to see Reichel pick up the loose puck, charge hard to the net, and confidently shot the puck.

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 is still 22 and has tremendous upside. That is why his development is still important to the future success of the club. The problem is his age and upside also make it incredibly difficult to get him to Rockford to get more playing time there as he would unlikely not clear waivers.

Said Blackhawkup

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..

POLL
What should the Blackhawks do after Reichel's leaving them in a tough position?
Send him to the AHL	15	14.4 %
Trade him	30	28.8 %
Promote him with full-time role	59	56.7 %
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