Luke Richardson Makes Announcement About Lukas Reichel

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Joshua Deeds
February 16, 2024 (7:48 PM)

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This is an unfortunate development for one of the Blackhawks' once-top prospects.

Reichel has entered dangerous territory after a poor outing against the Vancouver Canucks, and Richardson has put a clamp on the young forward.

As a result of what Richardson has deemed a lack of confidence in the prospect, he will be a healthy scratch against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

«We realize when players are down on themselves and we don't want to pile on but it's the NHL. We have to somehow push them to get over that, and a lot of that's internally with the player. We can only do so much.»

He has previously asked for a shot in the lineup and more opportunities to shoot, but he only has three shots in his last eight games, of which one was on goal.

Richardson talked to Reichel for several minutes after practice today, but Reichel is expected to remain a healthy scratch tomorrow.

Richardson was asked if sending Reichel to Rockford could be a possibility:
"Sometimes it's a little bit of a instant blow to someone's� Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) February 16, 2024

A report in the local media suggests Richardson may use the AHL to boost his confidence as he treads dangerously close to demotion.

Reichel this season doesn't look like Reichel last season, who appeared poised to break out.

In 23 games last season, Reichel registered 7 goals and 8 assists for 15 points before going back down to Rockford to gain more experience.

Before being sent down to the AHL, Reichel was on a 25-goal pace. While in the AHL, he exceeded expectations with 51 points, including 20 goals and 31 assists in 55 games.

Reichel will have to figure out the bug bothering him, so he can find his game again along with is confidence, or it appears he will be demoted once again.

As Seen On: bleachernation.com