Still struggling through an unexpectedly poor season, forward Lukas Reichel has been sent down by the Chicago Blackhawks to their AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs. Reichel has yet to play in Rockford this season, but did have a highly productive outing last year, scoring 20 goals and 51 assists in 55 games.
After his recall at the end of last season, Reichel produced quite effectively for a Blackhawks team that had no hopes of contending. In 23 games, Reichel would score seven goals and 15 points at the professional level, inspiring hope that he could be a top-line player as early as this season.
Unfortunately, those hopes quickly vanished, as Reichel has only been able to put up three goals and 10 points through 50 games, producing a team-worst -28 rating. The Blackhawks will be hoping that Reichel can take the time he needs in the AHL to regain his confidence to become a long-term fixture in Chicago’s top-six.
Other transaction notes:
- The Nashville Predators have sent down forward Mark Jankowski to their AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, according to a team announcement. Now in his second season with the Predators organization, Jankowski was originally recalled on February 12th, going scoreless in the three games he suited up for. In Milwaukee, Jankowski has been remarkable this year, scoring 15 goals and 47 points over 40 games.
- Moving over to the Atlantic Division, the Buffalo Sabres announced they have sent down defenseman Kale Clague to their AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans. Having yet to play for the Sabres up to this point in the season, Clague has been quite productive for the Americans, scoring three goals and 23 points through 41 contests.
- With multiple injuries coming to their forward core this season, Jonas Rondbjerg has been an oft-used organizational depth piece for the Vegas Golden Knights to replace lost minutes. Once again, the team has sent him back down to their AHL affiliate, the Henderson Silver Knights, per a team announcement. The native of Denmark has skated in 18 games for the Golden Knights this season, putting up one goal and three points in the process.
Jess the trip
What’s a dangling modifier?
Brennan: I dunno.
The Blackhawks aren’t having an unexpectedly poor season.
Brennan McClain
To clarify, it was meant as a prelude to Reichel, not the Blackhawks. After his strong finish to last season it was apparent the Blackhawks were hoping Reichel could expand offensively next to Bedard and that has not proved to be as fruitful as expected.
Jess the trip
I figured out what you meant but when your modifier dangles, it affects the wrong noun. I don’t normally pick on grammar errors but this can lead to comedic results if you’re not careful.
User 318310488
Reichel has been struggling all season, And the Hawks are just sending him down now? Way to manage the young talent!
doghockey
It would be incredible to see you get hired to run an NHL team, just to watch you yell at yourself in these forums.
Unclemike1526
I still say Reichel might need a change of scenery. It might be the pressure of being a #1 pick here, Or he’s just putting pressure on himself. But he’s tight as a drum and tries to make every play perfect. He might just need to go somewhere else to loosen up because he’s very talented. He’s just not getting it done here and maybe someone else can get him to relax and let his speed play to it’s best. He just doesn’t have the scorers touch he should have.