When the Chicago Blackhawks’ season started, the microscope was all on how the rookies would perform: Connor Bedard, Kevin Korchinski, Wyatt Kaiser, and more.
However, it has been hard not to notice the performance of Lukas Reichel. After excitement built after a solid end to the year, he’s had his struggles to start the season. Luckily, the answers to helping him are right under the Blackhawks’ noses.
Reichel’s Slow Start to Blackhawks’ Season
Reichel was someone who went into the season self-assured. He ended his NHL season with the Blackhawks with 15 points in 23 games, was an AHL (American Hockey League) All-Star with the Rockford IceHogs last season, and the Blackhawks told him he would be a center going forward, even though he is primarily a left wing. He took the promotion in stride as he worked in the offseason to gain weight, get stronger with the puck, and work on his defense and faceoffs. He stated, “I have a bigger role than the last two years, and I like that challenge. I just want to play my game and play my way.”
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During the preseason, he looked excellent. He was a factor and noticeable on every shift in every game. He was creating chances and using his speed to his advantage, making him a threat. He didn’t score a goal until the Blackhawks’ final preseason game against the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 7, but overall, he was one of the standouts. He didn’t look completely lost at the dot, either. Overall, he looked ready and better than ever for the upcoming season.
However, many players played well when the Blackhawks faced the Pittsburgh Penguins during the season opener and 4-2 win, but Reichel was virtually a non-factor. He had two shots on goal and had a 20% FO% (Faceoff percentage). He centered the second line alongside Tyler Johnson and Taylor Raddysh. First game of the season rust? Likely. It wasn’t overly concerning, just surprising… until it continued.
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Within the first six games, he has averaged 14:47 of ice time, 15 shots on goal, 3 takeaways, 4 giveaways, zero points, and his minus-6 rating is tied for worst on the team alongside Connor Murphy and Kevin Korchinski. The good news? His faceoffs have improved every game since the season opener. The last two games (against Stanley Cup winners) were his best. He had a FO% of 60% against the Colorado Avalanche and a FO% of 57% against the Vegas Golden Knights, for a 43.2% success rate in six games. For a new full-time center, that’s encouraging, but getting more out of him requires more finagling.
Answers to Reichel’s Obstacles Are Already There
Something that stands out about Reichel’s season start is his linemates. Unfortunately, Philipp Kurashev, one of Reichel’s favorite and effective linemates, suffered a wrist injury during the preseason, which had him miss the start of the season. Therefore, he has mostly been paired with Johnson and Raddysh. He and Johnson were also briefly paired with Andreas Athanasiou until he was moved to the fourth line. Yet, against the Golden Knights on Oct. 21, they reunited Athanasiou and Reichel, and the difference was palpable.
Although Reichel only had one shot on goal in 16 minutes of ice time, he had his best game of the season. He looked more like himself. He used creativity, speed, was breaking ankles and driving to the net. When he is at his best, those skills are a dagger. I counted three solid looks from that game, possibly more. But one factor changed: the Athanasiou reunion. Last season, the line of Reichel – Athanasiou – Kurashev was one of their best. Before Max Domi got traded to the Dallas Stars in March, the first line of Reichel – Domi – Kurashev was in the same boat. One thing both lines have in common is a speedy playmaker.
Reichel plays best when paired with others who think the same game as him. Even with the IceHogs, his successful linemates included Brett Seney, Andrei Altybarmakyan, and Joey Anderson. The thought process makes sense. Placing Reichel with other speedy wingers allows everyone to be on the same page and gives more room for him to be himself. If he has linemates who think fast, it will enable quick passing plays and crashing the net, which is where he shines. When Reichel was paired with Athanasiou during the preseason, he emphasized being able to create two-on-ones. Speed is how he sees the game; being paired with like-minded teammates increases that effectiveness.
That point was proven again when Taylor Hall injured his shoulder against the Boston Bruins on Oct. 11. Reichel was briefly paired with Bedard and immediately created a scoring chance. However, head coach Luke Richardson wants to avoid putting them together due to wanting Reichel to get more time at center, but it may be a future option.
Raddysh and Johnson were both fine linemates for Reichel, but they are more two-way forwards who bring more of a steady, physical presence. They created the third most chances on the team (34), but the Vegas game made it clear that keeping him with similar-style players is critical for him.
The good news? Philipp Kurashev has returned to the lineup after missing the first six games. Although he won’t start on Reichel’s line against the Bruins (Oct. 24) because coach Richardson wants him to get reacclimated, they won’t be separated for long.
Reichel’s Unwavering Confidence Is Key
There is a weird territory for Reichel this year as he is only 21-years-old and has played in 34 NHL games over the last two seasons. He can still be considered a rookie, albeit not as green as Bedard and Korchinski, who made their NHL debuts this season, but he is still green in learning his new center role and all the ins and outs of his first full NHL season.
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If he was overwhelmed by his slow start and new role, he has done a great job remaining calm about his start, stating, “I know I can make plays in this league, can score goals in this league – I showed it last year. I’ve just got to work hard, stay positive, and good things will come.” From a human standpoint, there is a lot on his plate with his position being changed, trying to adapt to all of that in a top-six role while also being in a contract year. Undoubtedly, the Blackhawks will extend him, but as a very young player, that is a lot. But he is handling it well, which is significant for his development, but like any athlete, confidence is necessary for gameplay.
Coach Richardson mentioned that he would like to see him shoot more and take charge because his confidence will grow if he keeps getting chances and starts lighting the lamp. His 15 shots are currently third-best on the team, but for reference, Bedard leads the team with 22. It reminds me of when he made his NHL debut in 2022; he looked lost but eventually started to look more consistent. That is how I view his start today. He may start slow but ends up putting it together quickly.
Overall, the Blackhawks have all the tools at their disposal to help Reichel progress. Keep him with speedy playmakers, allow him to grow into his game, and if he starts struggling at center for some reason, they can move him back to wing, where he has already shined. It has already been shown what works for him. They need to continue down that path.
I don’t believe there are long-term concerns with Reichel. He has to settle in more with the key components, and the Vegas game showed signs he is. Also, having Kurashev back and remaining with Athanasiou will be huge for him. As Bedard said about Reichel after the Bruins game, “He’s a special player and I love even watching him. He’s going to be so good. He’s had so many chances here, they’re going to start going in and he’s going to light it up.”
Yes he is, and yes he will.
