I vehemently disagree. Again, and simply said, a Reichel with his nose over the puck is an NHLer. A Reichel without his nose over the puck is not. No stick waving, no reaching. When he moves his feet and doesn't do those things he wins pucks, disrupts with his plus speed/explosion and becomes dangerous in all 3 zones.

Mistakes are fine, in fact welcomed, as long as those mistakes happen while his feet are moving.

Move your feet, linemates or where he's slotted does not matter, move your feet, engage, do not observe and his talent will be unlocked. Don't move your feet (disappear) and you'll sit 5 games. ........ I love the results of his last 2 games. Only correlation I can find for that is he sat the previous 5 games.

You disagree? If so, what haven't they tried with Riechel besides making him a 5 game NHL healthy scratch?
- Mr Ricochet

Having consistent linemates

That is what i meant. No There's no hidden meaning there.

I don't know it just seems like some have to earn playing time and some don't.
- BetweenTheDots

I think it comes down to some guys have a track record of being consistently good (Hall and Bertuzzi). Others (Reichel, and in my mind Kurashev) are still trying to prove they can be relied on. If L2 wasn't generating chances I'd be more worried, but they are. They could have had 2-3 goals in the first game, but Shev and Bertuzzi heeled their shots.

Well during the regular season he wasn't. He's at that magic age of decline and it's showing to me. When he came here before the injury i thought that.

The argument about his injury, all i have to say is if it is affecting him why is KD giving him so many minutes?
- BetweenTheDots

IMO Taylor Hall is the least of our issues this season. He has always been a bit of a one-dimensional forward and may have had a few errant passes, but he is 2nd among our forwards in shots on goal, shot attempts, scoring chances, high danger scoring chances, rush attempts and leading in terms of takeaways. Those are the things he is brought in to add.

I know his defensive game is kind of so-so and it's not helping that his line isn't that defensively strong as it is, but he is generating some chances and playing with speed.

Seems Reichel only has chemistry with AA, going back 2 years ago. That is a problem because AA is only going to play when there are injuries, or to give someone a night off.

Also who is he going to replace on the tpp 6, Foligno? A line of Bedard, Reichel, TT might show some flashes of brilliance once they have the puck on their stick when moving, but without a puck retirever, or better passing from the defense, that will be few and far between.
- LAHawk

IMO Reichel's talent will have chemistry with anyone on any line. When the kid has his nose over the puck whatever line he's on, with any mate, his line wins that shift.

Foligno is not a 1RW, we know that. Never was. But, on this roster he's a damn near perfect fit with TT and Bedard. The prototypical 1 guy retrieves the puck, one guy dishes the puck, one guy scores the puck. ......... Foligno plays a power game and it fits with the skilled TT and Bedard.

TT is helping unlock Bedard and Foligno is a part of allowing that to happen.

IMO Taylor Hall is the least of our issues this season. He has always been a bit of a one-dimensional forward and may have had a few errant passes, but he is 2nd among our forwards in shots on goal, shot attempts, scoring chances, high danger scoring chances, rush attempts and leading in terms of takeaways. Those are the things he is brought in to add.

I know his defensive game is kind of so-so and it's not helping that his line isn't that defensively strong as it is, but he is generating some chances and playing with speed.
- breadbag

Are you and BTD watching the same guy?

IMO Taylor Hall is the least of our issues this season. He has always been a bit of a one-dimensional forward and may have had a few errant passes, but he is 2nd among our forwards in shots on goal, shot attempts, scoring chances, high danger scoring chances, rush attempts and leading in terms of takeaways. Those are the things he is brought in to add.

I know his defensive game is kind of so-so and it's not helping that his line isn't that defensively strong as it is, but he is generating some chances and playing with speed.
- breadbag

Right on, BB. From the first preseason game Hall has played hungry. With 1st overall pick talent that makes for a pretty damn good hockey player. ...... Besides Bedard and TT he's been the most dangerous Hawk game in and game out.

Our 2nd line has 4 total points and i believe Bertuzzis came on the PP. They are like a minus 15? So why are we keeping this line the same?
- BetweenTheDots

Nobody has a ton of even strength points right now.

Jones 3
Bedard 3
Hall 2
Foligno 2
TT 2
Smith 2
Reichel 2
Brodie 2

2nd line did get scored on a few times, but a couple of those are on Kurashev making soft plays in the middle of the ice.

This comes down to the biggest glaring need that I highlighted since the end of last season, we really could use a solid 2 way C. They could move Kurashev back to wing, put someone like Bertuzzi or Hall back up on line 1. Move Foligno back to the bottom 6.

I vehemently disagree. Again, and simply said, a Reichel with his nose over the puck is an NHLer. A Reichel without his nose over the puck is not. No stick waving, no reaching. When he moves his feet and doesn't do those things he wins pucks, disrupts with his plus speed/explosion and becomes dangerous in all 3 zones.

Mistakes are fine, in fact welcomed, as long as those mistakes happen while his feet are moving.

Move your feet, linemates or where he's slotted does not matter, move your feet, engage, do not observe and his talent will be unlocked. Don't move your feet (disappear) and you'll sit 5 games. ........ I love the results of his last 2 games. Only correlation I can find for that is he sat the previous 5 games.

You disagree? If so, what haven't they tried with Riechel besides making him a 5 game NHL healthy scratch?
- Mr Ricochet

Why aren't his feet moving though? I'd say that comes from not knowing what he's supposed to do or simply overthinking things.

There were several games last year where he was skating like a bat out of hell, but completely out of position and leaving his man uncovered. Active vs productive.

They tried literally everything with Reichel last year. Sat him, sent him down, center, wing, L1, L4 and everything in between. Surprised they didn't try him at goalie just to light a fire. I think putting him in a regular consistent role and having him prove himself there before moving him up is the best thing. If he makes mistakes teach and put him back out there unless there is something habitual that needs to be addressed.

One last thing that is very minor. They've played 6 games and he's dressed for two of them. Why do you keep mentioning they sat him for 5 games?

Easy Taylor Hall, there's a reason he was playing on the 3rd line in Boston.
- BetweenTheDots

The context being that team Hall played L3 had 100+ points?

Nobody has a ton of even strength points right now.

Jones 3
Bedard 3
Hall 2
Foligno 2
TT 2
Smith 2
Reichel 2
Brodie 2

2nd line did get scored on a few times, but a couple of those are on Kurashev making soft plays in the middle of the ice.

This comes down to the biggest glaring need that I highlighted since the end of last season, we really could use a solid 2 way C. They could move Kurashev back to wing, put someone like Bertuzzi or Hall back up on line 1. Move Foligno back to the bottom 6.
- breadbag

So could most teams probably. At this point of the rebuild, that is a luxury not a need. They wanted to give Nazar a chance to take that spot and he didn't. Not really gonna matter this year in the grand scheme.

On the 2025 Draft front:



I now have adjusted my top two rounds my Lines.com draft board, and there is a top 12 echelon of players and furure #1 goalie Prince George's Joshua Ravensbergen or big RD Blake Fiddler sitting there for the Toronto pick.

Post note:

This draft is unlike the past couple without an undisputed #1 and four players vying for that first overall:

Hagens
Martone
Anton Frondell
and LD defender Matthew Schaefer

I think at present, big Roger McQueen and Russian Ivan Ryabkin and continually improving and now play top line centre Michael Misa, and Malcolm Spence not in their headlights just yet.

All year folks ask me who would you put on the hawks draft focus, and instead spending time later I want to have my Hawk draft intentions here so Bamford or someone doesn’t ask me again:

I think the Hawks intentions radically change from the two first round choice with goal after the first round will be to draft players with excellent possible futures but at this juncture, they won’t garner interest since they are far from finished guys, ready to handle the stronger, faster pros.

I don’t think the Blackhawks will win a move-up to #1 or #2, but whenever they pick, I could see the focus go to scorer forward, but I don’t have the Matt Schaefer lad second overall and wonder if that would be the back end scoring punch from a left shot. I don’t if the Blackhawks like him. I do know they are not at all ignorant of the Red Wings’ Axel Sandin-Pellika ascension as a prime candidate as an offensive generator, that smaller offensemen-type.
The type the Hawk team has yet find in the their drafts in the past be their “Makar.”

So I see the Blackhawks easily selecting Matthew Schaefer a defender.

I cannot think the Blackhawks would pass on many of the top of this 2025 class.

I see them identifying another goalie prospect, and not be hesitant to elect him him in that first round, maybe not in the top 8, but if they can get the goalie there, do not hesitate.

They draw the best two prospects with those two first rounders, with no hesitation if there is a goalie there they really adore.
Not thinking there will be Chicago picks with short developmental paths, so they will not hesitate after the draft’s big names are selected to take:

Yaroslav Bryzgalov Des Moines - big 200+ winger or

Ben Kevan Des Moines - a L.A. area RC/W speedy and creative, and

Let’s not forget the diminutive 158 lb. Adam Benak, who at 5’ 7” is far too advanced and is simply dangerous and would also be an easy Blackhawk pick by way of Czech Republic. He is a lethal attacker who scores for the Youngstown Phantoms and will be in the NHL. I wouldn’t pass on him.
Bryzgalov isn’t playing soon, but I can see that he will be given a chance to be on a team. His dad was a pretty good West Coast NHL goalie.


But whatever picks are in the wallet after the first round, there will be little interest in moving up, just hold those later picks and look at these players, all on longer developmental tracks and so there is not a problem, taking their scout's favorites, wherever / whenever they next pick is. You work the hunches like when the staff bet on the big RD defender Sammy Rinzel
I guess next couple years that the Sabres get use of Jiří Kulich a future 2nd line utility guy, we hope to have yet another large all around attacker / defenders...

I still think the Axel Sandin-Pellika defenseman is what they lack and I am gonna guess they will keep looking...

Why aren't his feet moving though? I'd say that comes from not knowing what he's supposed to do or simply overthinking things.

There were several games last year where he was skating like a bat out of hell, but completely out of position and leaving his man uncovered. Active vs productive.

They tried literally everything with Reichel last year. Sat him, sent him down, center, wing, L1, L4 and everything in between. Surprised they didn't try him at goalie just to light a fire. I think putting him in a regular consistent role and having him prove himself there before moving him up is the best thing. If he makes mistakes teach and put him back out there unless there is something habitual that needs to be addressed.

One last thing that is very minor. They've played 6 games and he's dressed for two of them. Why do you keep mentioning they sat him for 5 games?
- Chunk

Ok Chunk, they sat him 4 games not 5....... I'm the guy that posted could the Hawks have done anymore to ruin the kid? I posted Game 1 last yr Reichel is doomed as a 2C on that roster. He's not a 2C, probably will never be and they put the 21 yr old rookie centering fringe NHL players against L2 NHL competition. Didn't work and they started bouncing him around with no clear role and he regressed from Game 1.

Agree, give him a role and coach him to it. That's coaching 101...... But to me it does not matter. No matter where or when he slots in he must move his feet and win pucks. If he simply does that his talent will take over from there.

Line or mates don't matter. Win pucks by moving your feet. The rest will take care of itself as we saw the last 2 games, getting minimal minutes I might add. And again, the only correlation I see, unless you've noticed something else, is the kid sat the previous FOUR games.

Ok Chunk, they sat him 4 games not 5....... I'm the guy that posted could the Hawks have done anymore to ruin the kid? I posted Game 1 last yr Reichel is doomed as a 2C on that roster. He's not a 2C, probably will never be and they put the 21 yr old rookie centering fringe NHL players against L2 NHL competition. Didn't work and they started bouncing him around with no clear role and he regressed from Game 1.

Agree, give him a role and coach him to it. That's coaching 101...... But to me it does not matter. No matter where or when he slots in he must move his feet and win pucks. If he simply does that his talent will take over from there.

Line or mates don't matter. Win pucks by moving your feet. The rest will take care of itself as we saw the last 2 games, getting minimal minutes I might add. And again, the only correlation I see, unless you've noticed something else, is the kid sat the previous FOUR games.
- Mr Ricochet

Yea i agree to disagree on this.

While I like the idea of replacing Foligno on the first line with a capable forward like Hall, where does that leave the second line? Kurashev, Bertuzzi, and Reichel? That’s not going to cut it, and it’s the biggest reason they are who they are, just not enough talent at this time to dress a good second line. Bertuzzi is not a strong skater, yes he pots 20 goals a year, but really surprised that KD signed a forward to a four year contract that has skating deficiencies. I love the TT and Martinez signings, not a fan of the Brodie and Bertuzzi signings. Until they come up with a good second line center, the other team is going to throw everything at the Bedard line, including the kitchen sink.
- Angotti

I usually don't get too involved in lines discussion unless I think something is egregious, but I think it's worth noting the Hawks rank 14th in the NHL in expected goals with LR's lineups.

That's pretty damn good, better than I expected. The hope is they will find ways to finish but to do that you need chances and they are getting them. Finishing ain't easy in the NHL but neither is winning the possession battle and they're doing that.

Not too bad on this roster that really has 4 new adds to the top 6 which only has 6 NHL games together.

Yea i agree to disagree on this.
- BetweenTheDots

Reichel has the speed/hands/talent to carry, or at the least help, win a shift, especially in the bottom 6...... Move your feet, don't reach or float and the kid is an NHLer. Don't and he's not.

He's as fast, quick and explosive as anyone on the ice. Find the puck, go get the puck, take the puck towards the other goalie or sit. ..... That simple.

Ok Chunk, they sat him 4 games not 5....... I'm the guy that posted could the Hawks have done anymore to ruin the kid? I posted Game 1 last yr Reichel is doomed as a 2C on that roster. He's not a 2C, probably will never be and they put the 21 yr old rookie centering fringe NHL players against L2 NHL competition. Didn't work and they started bouncing him around with no clear role and he regressed from Game 1.

Agree, give him a role and coach him to it. That's coaching 101...... But to me it does not matter. No matter where or when he slots in he must move his feet and win pucks. If he simply does that his talent will take over from there.

Line or mates don't matter. Win pucks by moving your feet. The rest will take care of itself as we saw the last 2 games, getting minimal minutes I might add. And again, the only correlation I see, unless you've noticed something else, is the kid sat the previous FOUR games.
- Mr Ricochet

I wasn't trying to be a pud about the 5 games. I just didn't know if you were implying something else by it, or if I missed something. I think we generally agree when it comes to Reichel. I just don't think he should be sat if he has an off game if he is overall trending in the right direction.

I get that the situation last year was not really ideal for him being at 2C, but he didn't move the needle at any of the positions they tried to shoehorn him into. Maybe I'm reading you wrong, but in one sentence you say they didn't put him in the best position to succeed, and in another you say it doesn't/shouldn't matter as long as he moves his feet? Maybe I'm missing the point you are trying to make?

I'm trying to get to the bottom of why he was so inconsistent last year. I tend to think it was a confidence thing. When you are not confident in what you are doing, you inevitably react slower and take more time to process. Hence, you move slower (or at least appear that way). This is why I think keep him where he is having success for several more games to maintain that feeling, then you can move him up a line or two to see if he can keep up in a higher pressure situation.

Hot take of the day:

Kirby Dach has played 6 games has one assist and is -8, so obviously, he sucks.

K Dach 6 games -8 Plus/Minus and 1 Point total - OUCH

I wasn't trying to be a pud about the 5 games. I just didn't know if you were implying something else by it, or if I missed something. I think we generally agree when it comes to Reichel. I just don't think he should be sat if he has an off game if he is overall trending in the right direction.

I get that the situation last year was not really ideal for him being at 2C, but he didn't move the needle at any of the positions they tried to shoehorn him into. Maybe I'm reading you wrong, but in one sentence you say they didn't put him in the best position to succeed, and in another you say it doesn't/shouldn't matter as long as he moves his feet? Maybe I'm missing the point you are trying to make?

I'm trying to get to the bottom of why he was so inconsistent last year. I tend to think it was a confidence thing. When you are not confident in what you are doing, you inevitably react slower and take more time to process. Hence, you move slower (or at least appear that way). This is why I think keep him where he is having success for several more games to maintain that feeling, then you can move him up a line or two to see if he can keep up in a higher pressure situation.
- Chunk

This is a fair take and it caused me to quickly rethink how I state my position..... IMO he should not be a center on any line at this point and I agree with you a few posts back that the kid is confused, doesn't know his role or what is expected of him. And the way they handled him last yr is probably 75% managements/coaches fault.

I think LR has become more clear and stern publicly this yr saying we need an active engaged Reichel WHEN he gets a chance. Might get a chance soon, might not. ....... And I love the results of the last 2 games as a result.

I see, and always have, seen Reichel as a green talented racehorse. Simply get him out of the gate clean, straighten him out and his talent will take over.... To use a comparable hockey analogy break it down to the most simple aspect of hockey for him, cuz the kid is confused, find the puck, go get the puck, take the puck towards the other goalie, ie move your feet, don't float or reach.

He does that, no matter what line or mates, and he'll win shifts.

Hot take of the day:

Kirby Dach has played 6 games has one assist and is -8, so obviously, he sucks.
- Chunk

Second hot take:

Dylan Strome: 4GP, 7 pts (3G 4A) - so obviously, KD should be fired.

Don't look now, but the two offer sheet guys are doing quite well in STL.

Broberg: 6GP, 6pts (1G 5A) +6, almost 20mins per game
Holloway: 6GP, 2pts (1 & 1) +2. in 14:10/game.

Not that I like STL, but kinda cool they are starting to break out with their opportunity. I also like that EDM could really use them right now. I have no idea why, but that team just bugs me.

Scott Powers
@ByScottPowers
Blackhawks lines in practice
Foligno-Bedard-Teräväinen
Hall-Athanasiou-Bertuzzi
Mikheyev-Richardinson-Donato
Maroon-Reichel-Smith

Looks like Kurashev is the healthy scratch

ExtrasAnderson, Kurashev Phillips

Murphy and Brodie flipped

Vlasic-Jones
Kaiser-Murphy
Allan-Brodie

Scott Powers
@ByScottPowers
Blackhawks lines in practice
Foligno-Bedard-Teräväinen
Hall-Athanasiou-Bertuzzi
Mikheyev-Richardinson-Donato
Maroon-Reichel-Smith

Looks like Kurashev is the healthy scratch
- LAHawk

No mention of injury after getting lit up by Krebs?

No mention of injury after getting lit up by Krebs?
- Chunk

Nope more like 0 points and a -4 the last 3 games

Reichel has the speed/hands/talent to carry, or at the least help, win a shift, especially in the bottom 6...... Move your feet, don't reach or float and the kid is an NHLer. Don't and he's not.

He's as fast, quick and explosive as anyone on the ice. Find the puck, go get the puck, take the puck towards the other goalie or sit. ..... That simple.
- Mr Ricochet

Yes, something Sharp developed whichever line he played on. Guy would go into the corners, didn't float. Sharp used every bit of his 6'-1" 200#. Something Reichel has yet to demonstrate.