Lukas Reichel will push for an NHL spot: 10 thoughts from the Blackhawks rookie games

ISERLOHN, GERMANY - JANUARY 05: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Lukas Reichel of Eisbaeren Berlin looks on during the DEL match between Iserlohn Roosters and Eisbaeren Berlin on January 5, 2021 in Iserlohn, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
By Scott Powers
Sep 19, 2021

Determining the Blackhawks’ season-opening roster was already going to be a challenge for Jeremy Colliton.

There are 14-16 forwards realistically in the mix for 12 forward spots. There are 7-9 defensemen likely up for six spots. The net is likely to be handed to Marc-André Fleury and Kevin Lankinen, but Malcolm Subban and Collin Delia, who have combined for 106 NHL games, have to be holding onto hope that an impressive preseason can change the coaching staff’s minds. That all adds up to an unusually high number of roster decisions Colliton will have to make out of camp.

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And then there’s Lukas Reichel.

The Blackhawks were aware Reichel could land in North America this summer and compete for an NHL roster spot immediately. He took a significant step in his development from when they drafted him in the first round in October 2020 to when he signed his entry-level contract in June. He was good in Germany’s top division as a 17-year-old; he was elite as an 18-year-old.

Now, after turning 19 in May, Reichel appears as if he may just be ready for the NHL, giving Colliton one more name to add to his overflowing list of potential NHLers. Whatever hopes the Blackhawks had of Reichel entering this weekend’s two-game showcase against the Minnesota Wild, he had to exceed them. He was just that good in the two games.

Reichel was noticeable in all areas of the ice. He was aggressive defending on the forecheck, backchecking in the neutral zone and ended up with a lot of pucks. Once he got the puck, he created space with speed, change of speed and deception. He created offensive zone entries and then went to work. There were times where the Wild just couldn’t get the puck off him and he produced multiple chances on a single shift. He put himself in position to score, but he also set up his teammates for great chances. You could see how Reichel could complement a number of the Blackhawks’ skilled forwards. Plus, Reichel played center, a position he’s evolved into over the last year, making him more versatile.

Reichel’s play in Minnesota, of course, doesn’t guarantee him a spot come training camp, but it was a good first step and certainly caught Colliton’s attention. Colliton was on hand to watch the rookies in person. From here for Reichel, it’ll be about performing well in training camp, producing in the preseason games and forcing Colliton to make a tough decision. For Colliton to choose Reichel over Henrik Borgström, Adam Gaudette or someone else, he’s going to have really prove the Blackhawks are a better team with him in the lineup.

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Based on the weekend, Reichel may just be good enough to do that.

1. Let’s look at what made Reichel stand out.

In this clip, Reichel pokes the puck away in the neutral zone and nearly sets up a teammate at the net.

This was one of Reichel’s impressive individual moves. He chases down the puck, quickly spins at the blue line, puts the puck through two checkers and helps create a goal.

Reichel works the puck on the power play on this clip and sets up Colton Dach for a one-timer.

Reichel is active in the defensive and neutral zones on this clip. He nearly scores, too.

Reichel is shifty in the offensive zone on this shift.

Reichel has a number of puck touches and chances on this shift.

Reichel sets up Michal Teplý for a goal on this one.

2. Outside of Reichel, winger Andrei Altybarmakyan was probably the most noticeable prospect against the Wild.

Altybarmakyan took steps last season with the IceHogs as he adjusted to North American hockey from Russia. He didn’t get an NHL call-up last season, but he could be in that mix this season. What he does so well is he’s just constantly moving and hunting for the puck. He has some skill, too.

In this clip, Altybarmakyan steals the puck in the offensive zone and puts home an impressive shot.

Altybarmakyan nearly scored his second goal off the forecheck in this clip.

3. Alec Regula was the Blackhawks’ No. 1 defenseman for the two games. He made enough progress in his first year pro last season to get three NHL games. He probably wasn’t exactly ready for that just yet, but it was good for him to get that taste.

For Regula, it’s all about his mobility. He has size, understands where to be and can create some offense. He’s not afraid to get up in the offensive zone. There is a lot to like about his game. It’ll just come down to whether he can maneuver to defend NHL players off the rush and in the zone. In the two games, he did do well doing those things. He’ll be someone to keep an eye on throughout this season. Depending on the Blackhawks’ need if an injury happens, Regula could be someone they call upon.

Regula nearly pulled off this move in the overtime.

4. After watching an early IceHogs’ game last season, my first impression was Wyatt Kalynuk and Evan Barratt were on their way to making their NHL debuts. Kalynuk later got that chance. Barratt was close and may have if the Blackhawks had more recalls available.

There will be more competition for that call-up this season, but I’d expect Barratt to be in the mix again. In addition to Reichel and Altybarmakyan, Barratt had his fair share of positive plays against the Wild. He’s another player who plays a solid two-way game. The Blackhawks have to like their center depth throughout the organization entering the season.

In this clip, Barratt finishes a pass from Jakub Pour.

Altybarmakayan and Barratt play off each other in the following clip.

5. Blackhawks 2021 first-round pick Nolan Allan was solid in the two games. He held his own in the defensive zone and helped the Blackhawks get the puck up the ice. That’s basically what they drafted him for.

The Blackhawks are going to give Allan time to develop. He’ll spend at least one more season in the WHL. It helps the Blackhawks that they have enough similar defensemen right now in the organization that they don’t have to rush Allan. The Blackhawks have probably rushed a few defensemen in recent years.

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6. Overall, the Blackhawks have to be happy with their defenseman group over the two games. Between Regula, Isaak Phillips, Jakub Galvas and Michael Krutil, the Blackhawks have four players who should contribute to the IceHogs this season. Ethan Del Mastro, a 2021 fourth-round pick, also saw plenty of ice time. He’s another defensive defenseman.

7. Louis Crevier, a 6-foot-8 defenseman, is an intriguing prospect. He’s more than just size. You can see why the Blackhawks used a seventh-round pick on him in 2020. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Blackhawks eventually signed Crevier. He turned 20 in May and will play for the Quebec Remparts in the QMJHL this season.

Here is a clip of Crevier defending a 2-on-1:

8. Teplý is a pure goal scorer. You might not notice him for stretches, but he’ll then make something happen. He has a great shot and knows where to be in the offensive zone. He scored twice on the weekend and probably will score some for the IceHogs this season.

9. Other notes: Arvid Söderblom and Cale Morris each started a game in net for the Blackhawks. Tom Aubrun split the second game with Morris. All three goalies made some big saves. … Josiah Slavin and Mike Hardman had their moments in the two games as well. If the Blackhawks are looking to recall someone with size, both will probably be options this season. … The Wild won the first game 3-2 and the second game 4-3 in a shootout.

10. Blackhawks fans probably don’t want to read this, but the Blackhawks are probably going to have to deal with Wild forwards prospects Marco Rossi and Matt Boldy for years. The duo was arguably the best players on the ice. They combined for four goals in the two games.

Rossi scored this goal with four seconds left in the third period of Sunday’s game to tie the game at 3-3.

(Top photot: TF-Images / Getty Images))

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Scott Powers

Scott Powers is a senior writer for The Athletic covering the Chicago Blackhawks. Previously, he covered the Blackhawks and the White Sox for ESPN Chicago. He has also written for the Daily Herald and the Chicago Sun-Times and has been a sportswriter in the Chicagoland area for the past 15 years. Follow Scott on Twitter @byscottpowers