Entering his age 22 season, Lukas Reichel, the former Chicago Blackhawks first round pick, finds himself at a critical juncture in his career. The 17th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft has yet to establish himself in the NHL, despite showing flashes of his talent and potential, especially in his puck handling abilities. With the revamped Chicago Blackhawks lineup, Reichel faces a make or break season ahead of him.
In his early career, hopes were high for Reichel with the addition of Connor Bedard to the team. However, the 2023-2024 season proved to be a struggle for the young forward, as he managed only 16 points in 65 games and found himself demoted to the AHL at various points. The signing of top forwards Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen further complicates Reichel’s path to a roster spot, as he now has to compete for a place alongside Bedard.
If Reichel does manage to secure a spot on the Blackhawks’ opening night roster, he could find himself playing alongside Nick Foligno and Jason Dickinson, two reliable two-way players who could help alleviate some of the pressure on him. The team’s decision to extend Reichel’s contract for two years demonstrates their belief in his abilities and potential to succeed in the league.
However, the pressure is on for Reichel to prove himself this season, as the Blackhawks have a host of prospects vying for a spot on the NHL roster. Failure to show improvement could see Reichel being viewed as a depth player or even being moved out of Chicago. The key for Reichel will be to find consistency and confidence in his game, as he aims to cement his place in the team’s rebuilding plans.
This season represents a pivotal moment for Reichel and his future with the team, with the opportunity for him to establish himself as a key player during the Blackhawks’ transition phase. While he has shown promise at the AHL level, Reichel will need to deliver at the NHL level to avoid being relegated once again. The organization and fans alike are eager to see what Reichel can achieve this season, but the pressure is on for him to deliver results sooner rather than later.
