Blackhawks complete shocking move with young star forward just two days after being scratched

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Sam Walker
December 5, 2023 (1:16 PM)

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The Chicago Blackhawks have left fans surprised with a unexpected move involving young star Lukas Reichel.

Returning to the lineup after being scratched in the last game, Reichel finds himself moved to the teams' fourth line. Head Coach Luke Richardson stated that he envisions Reichel in a "checking" grinder role, a decision that has raised eyebrows.

At 6 feet tall and weighing 170 pounds, Reichel is not your typical fourth-line player, especially when facing opponents known for their physicality, Reichel may find himself more banged up than developing.

This move has sparked dissatisfaction among many, including Blackhawks team reporter Mark Lazarus, who expressed his concern, saying:

"Reichel on the fourth line. Doesn't seem like a good way to get him going to me."

In response to the criticism, Richardson defended the decision, emphasizing the importance of checking in the league. He acknowledged that while the fourth line might not be Reichel's long-term fit, it serves as a starting point for him to show determination, engage in battles, and win pucks consistently.

"Everybody has to check in this league. ... Is it a style of line he'd probably fit long-term? Maybe no, but he has to show some determination and get in consistent battles and win some pucks. This is a good starting point for him."

A fan also angrily spoke out on twitter, stating the following:

'Reichel on the fourth line is b*******. Play the f****** kid like we are playing all the rest and let him figure it out. This season is a wash anyways and to make it feel like a punishment only hurts him.'

The revised Blackhawks lineup for the upcoming matchup against the Nashville Predators reflects the changes:

Beauvillier-Bedard-Kurashev
T. Johnson-Guttman-Raddysh
Foligno-Dickinson-Anderson
Reichel-Donato-Entwistle

Defensive Pairings:

Vlasic-Jones
Korchinski-Murphy
Tinordi-Zaitsev/Crevier

Goaltenders:

Söderblom
Mrazek

Reichel voiced his displeasure at morning skate

Lukas Reichel on the scratch in Minnesota:

"It's disappointing, but I know I've got to be better. I don't play my game right now, but it's a good wake-up call. Now it's just about playing good, playing my game again."

Fans will be closely watching how Reichel adapts to this unexpected role on the fourth line.