NEWSLETTER
On Friday the Blackhawks assigned Lukas Reichel to Rockford.
I know, the immediate question is “But I thought they were going to keep him up for a while?” Well, there might be a good reason.
And that reason is Patrick Kane.
The Blackhawks have won their last three games without Kane in the lineup, but head coach Luke Richardson indicated before Thursday’s game against Colorado that they felt Kane was close to returning. And, with his stint on IR retroactive to last week, he could come off IR as soon as Saturday’s game against Seattle.
Personally, I would love — LOVE — to see how the Blackhawks look with Reichel and Kane on the top two lines. Reichel has clearly shown that he’s good enough to skate in the NHL now, and his speed and playmaking ability have been obvious in each of his appearance with the Blackhawks this season.
But with limited options and too many skaters on the NHL roster already, the Hawks would have to send someone to Rockford to make room for Kane coming off IR for Saturday’s game. And it appears Reichel is that guy.
The IceHogs have a Friday-Saturday double dip with the Colorado Eagles in Colorado before coming home for three games next week. Chicago hosts Seattle on Saturday night and then Buffalo closes their year-opening seven-game homestand on Tuesday night. Five of their six games following hosting the Sabres are on the road.
