NEWSLETTER
Following the Blackhawks’ loss to the Calgary Flames on Monday night, Blackhawks interim head coach Derek King said that Lukas Reichel will be heading back down to Rockford to work on some things and help the IceHogs out with their playoff push.
Lukas Reichel is heading back to Rockford. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/DruxIGsN5a
— Patrick K. Flowers (@PatrickKFlowers) April 19, 2022
Reichel, 19, has played 11 games with the Blackhawks this season and just days ago burnt the first year on his entry-level deal with Chicago by playing his 10th game of the season.
Some argue that keeping Reichel up for his 10th game and burning that first year was a bad move by Kyle Davidson and the Blackhawks, especially now that he’s ultimately heading back to Rockford (Michael: Like me!). But Davidson and the Blackhawks have made it clear that they’re not worried about the year of control, leading some to believe that the Blackhawks have a different idea for the long-term.
Reichel scored his first NHL point this past weekend when he logged a secondary assist on a Dominik Kubalík goal in the second period of Saturday’s loss to Nashville. Derek King said on Monday night that Reichel has some things to work on in Rockford: “He needs to win more puck battles and play with some pace. He’s not skating as fast as he can. But he’s going to back down to Rockford and he’s going to get some meaningful hockey in.”
King is also a firm believer that getting playoff reps in Rockford is vital for the young Blackhawks prospect.
Other Roster/Injury Notes:
• Kirby Dach has missed the Blackhawks’ last two games after coming out of their win over San Jose early with a shoulder injury. Dach was diagnosed with a right shoulder sprain on Friday morning by the team medical staff and he is not expected to travel with the Blackhawks on their three-game road trip this week despite Dach saying that his shoulder was “getting better” after Monday’s morning skate.
• MacKenzie Entwistle injured his shoulder in Monday night’s loss to the Flames and is doubtful to make the Hawks’ three-game road trip this week as well.
• Jonathan Toews was whacked in the face during a faceoff during Monday night’s loss to Calgary and briefly went to the dressing room before returning to the ice. Toews should be good to go for this week’s road trip.
