This season, Lukas Reichel watched the first four games from the press box. That may not be the ideal approach for developing a talented 22-year-old player, according to some.
It’s not as though Reichel didn’t deserve the title of healthy scratch.
After finally getting a jumper in the home opener against San Jose, one of the Chicago Blackhawks’ former top prospects was selected for the fourth line in Friday night’s 4-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.
Even though he didn’t play much, he made the most of his time on the ice by providing the main assists on the Hawks’ two goals. Craig Smith, a seasoned centre, provided the scores.
Reichel seems to do a good job of establishing chemistry with veterans, whether it’s with Smith or Andreas Athanasiou.
Perhaps it’s because veterans are adept at realising that you need to make the most of every moment of ice time because NHL opportunities are so limited.
In the first period, when the Hawks were at their worst, Reichel hardly saw the ice. In the first period, the Sabres went up two-zip after jumping on a limp Hawks team. According to head coach Luke Richardson, the Blackhawks lost two points as a result.
Reichel and Smith were solely responsible for the Hawks’ comeback in the second period, which tied the game. On the first goal, Reichel led Smith into the offensive zone with a lovely mid-ice pass.
Then, in the second period, Smith lighted the candle once more with a rebound shot after Reichel missed. Reichel’s ability to grab the lost puck, rush to the net, and shoot the puck with assurance was impressive.
Even if Reichel didn’t score, when the puck is sent towards the net, nice things happen.
Unfortunately, later in the second period, the Sabres scored the game-winning goal, and in the third, they sealed the victory with an empty-netter.Reichel’s lack of ice time is stunting his development.
Despite having a difficult preseason, he had four healthy scratches. He may easily lose confidence when things are not going his way, so it’s not like he is blameless. Placing him in the pressbox wouldn’t be a big deal if he were a few years older because of his play and money, which have elevated him to forward position.
Reichel, who is only 22, has a lot of potential. His growth is therefore still crucial to the club’s success in the future. The issue is that because of his age and potential, it would be very challenging to get him to Rockford for more playing time because he is unlikely to clear waivers.
He demonstrated that he can contribute offensively when he is on the ice with the appropriate group of seasoned guys. Veteran players like Smith and Athanasiou are performing at a fourth-line level, which is the problem. Reichel, who is skilled enough to play on the top lines, will see reduced ice time as a result.
It would make sense to give him a run on the top line with Connor Bedard and Teuvo Teravainen.
The issue is that Reichel’s poor season and horrible preseason last year caused Richardson to lose faith in him.
That is the point of contention between requiring Reichel to earn his ice time and putting his development first. Although the Hawks are currently in the midst of a massive rebuild, the front staff has made it clear that no young player or prospect will be handed a job out of the blue.
For this reason, Reichel’s growth seems to be being impeded by the Hawks.
Reichel should be moved up to the top line with the explicit instructions to skate hard and forecheck aggressively, just as last night, after his performance. Additionally, emphasise to the child that they should continue to shoot the damned puck whenever the chance presents itself.
After a month, see whether he can continue to produce as he did last night. Make him a fourth-line winger for the remainder of his tenure with the team if he is unable to produce, or end things with a trade that changes things up. Simply cease limiting his ice time, which is impeding his development.
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