For ice hockey talent Lukas Reichel, the dream of an NHL debut may soon come true.
The Chicago Blackhawks from the North American professional league appointed the 19-year-old attacker to their so-called taxi squad on Wednesday. The former Berliner is training with the NHL team again and can also be used in the league.
The Blackhawks selected Reichel in the 2020 draft at position 17. In the summer he signed his NHL contract with the former Stanley Cup winner, but shortly before the start of the season he was sent to the Rockford IceHogs in the American Hockey League. Reichel drew attention there and became the top scorer of his team with 20 goals in 20 games.
“He played well at Rockford. We are planning with him tomorrow, but on the other hand we have a plan with this boy and we don’t want to ruin it. You’ve seen enough times that young players are picked up too early,” said Chicago’s head coach Derek King. Reichel’s game without a puck “improved, regardless of how much he scores. His positional play has turned out quite well,” said King.
Nuremberg-born Reichel was recently named AHL Player of the Week after scoring six points (three goals and three assists each) in two Rockford wins.
Blackhawks star Patrick Kane praised the youngster after Wednesday practice: “He has the ability to pick up a lot of pace in the middle, he can create moves. He wants to take his chance to play here and it can be a key to a game when a young player gets the opportunity and wants to grab it by the head. “
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