Richardson Makes Questionable Comment Regarding Blackhawks Youngster

Richardson said to the media that it was better to let Reichel be the best center in Rockford rather than battling for a fourth line spot in Chicago.

Many Blackhawks fans believe that Reichel is much better than a 4th line spot and could make an argument for a spot on the 2nd line in Chicago.

This can be viewed in two different ways. One could view it as a positive for Reichel, because he will get plenty of playing time and a chance to develop his skills.

The other way this can be viewed is in a negative way. The Blackhawks are rebuilding and most definitely could afford to give their top prospect more playing time at the NHL level. The skill difference between the NHL and AHL is a wide margin, so maybe a 3rd line role in the NHL would be better than the 1st line role in the AHL.

The 20-year old Reichel played 11 games for Chicago last year where he had 1 point and a -8 +/-. There were flashes of potential in those 11 games and the -8 is not a cause for concern as the Blackhawks were outscored by 72 goals last season, their worst margin since 2005-06.