Burning Lukas Reichel's First ELC Year is a GOOD Idea

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Rory
April 12, 2022 (10:41)

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Last week, the Blackhawks announced that Lukas Reichel-for the third time this year-was called up to the NHL. So far this season, Reichel has amassed 49 points in 49 games (21 G, 28 A) with the Rockford Icehogs. He's proven to be consistent with a strong shot and the ability to discern whether to shoot or pass-while playing center or on the right wing. His defensive awareness needs improvement, but it only makes sense to gain holistic experience in the grind of the NHL rather than chase a playoff berth in the minors with Rockford.

As a preface, the NHL allows its teams to skate a rookie on an entry-level contract (ELC) up to nine games WITHOUT initiating the first year of their contract. It's important to note that Reichel currently has seven games played in the NHL this season (after Sunday's game vs. DAL) and has zero points. That said, he has two games to play before his ELC kicks in, which would permanently make 2021-22 his first contract year.

Yes, burning year one of his ELC would make the 2020 first-round pick become an RFA after the 2023-24 season. Yes, in a perfect world, not burning his contract would allow for more development at a cheaper cap hit. In the scenario that Reichel does NOT play 10 games, the Blackhawks would then be able to slide his contract one year into the future-essentially pushing back his RFA year. But why is this important?

Quite frankly, there is a terrible stigma regarding entry-level contracts in the NHL. Fans seldom come to the realization that burning the first year of an ELC is not necessarily a loss, but rather an attempt to gauge the skill of a prospect in a more efficient manner. Regardless of what your opinion may be on the current Blackhawks pipeline, Lukas Reichel is clearly atop the list, has had significant growth in Rockford, and deserves to spend the rest of the season playing at the United Center.

Many people are calling the Reichel call-up ignorant, or belaboring the idea that "maybe Reichel can experience winning playoff games/be apart of a winning culture." No, actually, not in the AHL. Not in the race for the Calder Cup. Put this into perspective: would you rather him play playoff hockey with known AHL legends Kurtis Gabriel and Garrett Mitchell, or finish a tough season with the Blackhawks under the leadership of Kane, Toews, and DeBrincat? I'll take the latter.

Here's how burning Reichel's first year benefits the Blackhawks:

1. Draft picks are an investment, but "gamble" seems to be synonymous. If the market always performed well, we'd all be rich. It's the research and implementation that leads to successful results. We have a large enough sample size to know he can be successful at the AHL level, and in the dawn of a full-scale rebuild, why wait to find out what 27 can do for the team in the long-term?
(This isn't necessarily a benefit, but rather a matter of fact that should add urgency to the development and evaluation of Blackhawks prospects.

2. Reichel was called up with six games played. If the Blackhawks wanted to focus on the long game with his development, would they call him up with only three games to play (now only two) before sending him back to Rockford to avoid ELC stipulations? This displays that the 'Hawks acknowledge the need to get him high-level minutes and under the professional leadership of the few remaining dynasty players. It's worth noting that the coaching staff had Reichel practicing strictly on the wing (as opposed to his primary position of center) with the likes of Toews and Dach.

3. Lastly, and more future-focused, burning the first year is efficient because you get to find out what kind of player Reichel will be one year sooner. And as a result, a bridge deal is reached a year sooner-and in most cases, will allow the Blackhawks to sign him at a lower AAV in 2024 than if he further develops and is signed in 2025. Further, burning Reichel's first year would send a GREAT message to other agents/prospects (particularly college prospects) and have a positive impact on the team's recruiting.

It sends a message for the 'Hawks to give Reichel a shot that he very much deserves, even though it may cost them in terms of his first ELC year. Players want to see teams invested in their success no matter the cost. They do not want to see teams dance around, only playing them for nine games to spare a contract year.

It's difficult to jump in and play at the NHL level for any prospect, but you have to start somewhere. Yes, he's had two chances to no avail this season prior to the most recent call up. But those two chances allowed him to only play six games. Let him finish the season in The Show, and I'm confident he'll find his spark. There's no better time than now.