It seems clear that Lukas Reichel is ready to make an impact at the NHL level, which is why the Chicago Blackhawks have sent him back to the minor leagues today. As they prepare for Patrick Kane’s return, the team has loaned Reichel back to the Rockford IceHogs, clearing a roster spot for the weekend.
Of the four games the 20-year-old forward has played this season, the Blackhawks have won three of them, including one over the Calgary Flames in which he was the second star with three points. Their win last night actually pulled them ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets in the standings, the opposite of what they are looking to accomplish this year.
There’s an argument to be made that Reichel can benefit from more time in the minor leagues, playing with a Rockford team that should be competitive all year. But he has been a dominant player since the moment he entered that league, scoring at a rate better than a point-per-game through nearly 100 appearances.
There will be plenty of time to see Reichel in Chicago down the road, but for now, it looks like he’ll be limited to minor league action for the next while. After the trade deadline, when the team flips several pending free agents, perhaps he’ll get a more extended chance.
Can’t wait til they get the 2nd pick. Tankers !
I understand what Chicago is trying to do, but screwing with people like this rarely ends well. Their fan base, players around the league, players within the organization, and most of all Lukas Reichel all see just how much the Hawks organization cares. The answer is, not much.
Sure because the Hawks invented this strategy of resetting the salary cap and getting tons of picks. It’s the first time it’s been done in the history of pro sports. What geniuses. After years of cap hell there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Oh wait, The Bears just did it too! And the Cubs! Must be contagious. Plus the Athletics and Pirates live on Tank Boulevard and drive tanks. So spare me Mikey Boy. TPMFB. If you want to know what that means see Ian Happ signs in arbitration.
This statement makes absolutely no sense:
“It seems clear that Lukas Reichel is ready to make an impact at the NHL level, which is why the Chicago Blackhawks have sent him back to the minor leagues today.”
It makes sense to those who understand that the plan in Chicago this year is to lose as many games as they can.
And hopefully they get the 2nd or worse pick.
Yeah, getting Fantilli would just suck the big one. The sooner the trades happen, The sooner more young guys move up. Simple as that. Rockford should be loaded with guys like Allan, Del Mastro and Korchinski, But due to stupid League rules those guys have to play below their level of competition.