Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson lashes out and reveals it may be over for Lukas Reichel

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Ryan Hall
October 17, 2024 (11:10)

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The Blackhawks are set to play their home opener against the San Jose Sharks With head coach Luke Richardson sharing some stark words towards beleaguered Lukas Reichel.

It appears the 22-year-old forward has not worked hard enough in the eyes of Richardson to warrant him a roster spot. Richardson made his opinion clear that Reichel will need to work to earn a spot as he has not done so.

Same with Kyle Davidson..

"HE'S GOT TO WORK AND GET TO THE POINT WHERE, IF AN OPPORTUNITY OPENS UP, HE'S GOING TO JUMP IN AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT."
- Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson

It seems Richardson is content was tinkering with his current lineup rather than inserting a player like Reichel as he states that he must wait for a chance to get back in.

This type of promotion is very common with teams that have an abundance of prospects and players during a rebuild. Some players who many thinks should be on the roster are not and Richardson has plenty to choose from to assemble his roster daily. With a poor camp and not living up to the coaches expectations it's likely Reichel will remain on the outside looking in.

"HE'S GOT TO SHOW AND PLAY A CERTAIN WAY. HE NEEDS TO HAVE THE HABIT THAT, IF IT'S IN PRACTICE, HE SHOWS HE DESERVES TO BE IN THE LINEUP, AND IF HE'S IN THE LINEUP, HE PLAYS A CERTAIN WAY THAT WE EXPECT [SO] THAT HE'LL
HOLD A SPOT. IT'S IN HIS HANDS."
- Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson

He was drafted in 2020, in the first-round 17th overall and stands at six feet 170 lbs. Last season he played 65 games, scored five goals with 11 assists for 16 points and was a dreadful -29. Many felt that this season would be the one that he would take the next step in his career and establish himself in the top 9 forwards.

But this is far from the case, and it remains to be seen on whether he will see any time with the Blackhawks this year as he is not playing for the Rockford Icehogs. In my opinion it's likely he will see some time soon especially if players do not workout or an injury comes along early in the season.

Reichel will remain in the press box as he watch is his team take on the Sharks on October 17th and game time will be at 8:30 PM eastern.