FEATURE: Reichel Showcased Growth, NHL Potential

After splitting time between the Blackhawks and IceHogs last season, Lukas Reichel is showcasing the benefits of the organization's long-term development plan in Rockford, and the potential he can make in Chicago.

The organization made the decision early in the season that their first-round pick in 2020 would benefit more from a full year as a go-to guy in Rockford, where he could fine tune his habits and play in a leadership position. While in the AHL, Reichel led Rockford in assists (29) and was second in overall points (46) in his 51 games through early March.

Following the NHL trade deadline, though, Reichel was called to Chicago for what would be his first full-time look with the Blackhawks, appearing in 19 straight games from March 2 through April 8.

Seth Jones knew that Reichel was having an explosive season in Rockford, and saw first-hand how the he transitioned that play to the NHL level -- with his ability to play consistantly in the offensive zone, and also block shots in the defensive zone, not afraid to get in the shooting lanes.

"When Reichel came up, I thought he played very well and he's going to be a big piece of this [team]," Jones said. "So, I think that's what's going to be big for him to kind of grow into a leadership role."

Following the April 8 game against the Seattle Kraken, the Blackhawks sent Reichel back down to Rockford for the AHL club's playoff push and ensuing postseason run into the second round. The young forward finished his NHL season with seven goals and eight assists through 23 games total games, but more importantly found his way consistently at the higher level with points in four of his last five NHL games (2G, 4A).

Playing on the same line together following the trade deadline, Andreas Athanasiou felt he and Reichel paired well together, noting both the speed the young forward possesses and the way he handled the puck.

"He's a real exciting player," Athanasiou said. "He's got a lot of speed and skill, so it's fun to play with him and fun to see. I think some of the young guys coming up are so good and he's one of them."

In the Blackhawks' loss to the Kraken in Reichel's final NHL appearance last season, Jones also praised the high-speed skill that he brought to the team that allowed him to take over the game that could be helpful for them next season.

"He could take over the game with his speed," Jones said. "He seems to have one of those explosives plays every game and it's exciting to see because that's what we're going to need in the future."

Following his extended NHL stint, Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson saw a different side to Reichel. Instead of being discouraged about being sent back down to Rockford, he continued to put in the hard work to help give the team a playoff push, which Davidson said spoke to his overall character and growth mindset that can make him a strong NHL player.

"He came up and just showed again that he was ready for the NHL," Davidson said. "Again, sometimes you don't know how players will react the first couple games down and in Rockford but [he was] dynamite. So, I think it's a credit to the player, and the work he put in, that he showed us he was ready."