After playing nine games in the AHL, Reichel needs a good finish to the season.
Lukas Reichel was recalled by the Chicago Blackhawks from the AHL Rockford IceHogs on Friday in a roster move that went unnoticed. Reichel skated with Nick Foligno and Andreas Athanasiou on the third line during the Blackhawks’ Saturday practice.
Reichel played for the Blackhawks for the majority of the 2023–24 season, but his performance was lackluster, and he was demoted to Rockford in the middle of February. The German forward, who was hoping to get back on track, played nine games for Rockford and finished with seven points (one goal and six assists), which was only three points short of his season total from 50 NHL games.
Regarding the demotion, Reichel remarked, “At first, you’re just pissed off and you’re frustrated.” “However, when I woke up the following morning, I resolved to turn things around, give it my all, and support this squad to victory.
“Just try to get your focus back, go down there, and try to maintain a great attitude and a good mindset. Although difficult, it undoubtedly benefited me.”
Reichel needs to get off the bench, and the Blackhawks are hoping that pairing him with Athanasiou would help.
In 23 NHL games last season, Reichel produced 15 points, most of which came in the last stretch of the schedule while skating with Athanasiou and Philipp Kurashev.
Kurashev stays on the top line for the time being since he and rookie sensation Connor Bedard have a great rapport. However, Athanasiou is still figuring out where he fits into the Blackhawks lineup while recovering from a chronic groin/hip injury.
Due to those circumstances, Reichel and Athanasiou were reunited, which might prove advantageous for both players in the last few weeks of the season. Aside from draft positioning, the Blackhawks don’t have much to play for, but Reichel, an upcoming restricted free agent, will need to win these last 15 games.
