We talked extensively yesterday about the Blackhawks’ decision to play without a captain for this season. The choice, which was announced by GM Kyle Davidson, was made to honor longtime captain Jonathan Toews while simultaneously avoiding throwing someone who isn’t ready into the role.
After Davidson got that burning question off the table, he spoke extensively with the media as his roster prepared for training camp to begin tomorrow. He talked about Connor Bedard, of course, raving about his ability to handle the pressure put on him as “the future of hockey”. However, a few other mentions in particular caught my ear.
The Newest Blackhawks Center
One of the players Davidson spent the most time discussing was prized forward Lukas Reichel. Drafted 17th overall in 2020, the 21-year-old has been a hot topic as to where he would skate in the lineup this year. Many believed he would be better suited on the wing, and maybe even on the top line alongside Bedard. Davidson put those rumors to rest Tuesday, telling reporters Reichel would open training camp at center. He raved about his NHL readiness, saying Reichel did everything that was asked of him and is “an NHL-ready player.” Davidson also mentioned his confidence and speed in the offensive zone as reasons he can succeed on the second line.
However, Davidson illustrated that turning Reichel into a superstar won’t be an easy process, and there are still a few holes in his game:
“But as an NHL center, there’s defensive responsibilities that you’ll need to execute. And, so again, any young player, peaks and valleys that [we’ll] help him work through instruction, education. I know over the summer, he was working on faceoffs; different animal though when you get into the NHL, and against some players that are specialists in that area, so I’m sure there’ll be some growth areas for him down the middle. But we wouldn’t try it out if we didn’t think he could succeed there.”
– GM Kyle Davidson
I’m a firm believer that Reichel will play a big role for this team in the long term. For now, he’ll bring up the back end of what could be a deadly one-two punch down the middle with Bedard.
Korchinski Headed To Chicago?
Another big question on many fans’ minds this summer – where will Kevin Korchinski play? The Blackhawks find themselves in a predicament with the 19-year-old defenseman, as he’s not old enough to be AHL-eligible. He can only play in the CHL or NHL this year, and it seems as if the decision may be in his hands. Davidson mentioned that he wanted Korchinski to “force his hand” in training camp, earning the right to be called up for this year. Both sides are being patient, but whether he plays in the NHL full-time, for just a few games, or not at all, it’s almost Korchinski time in Chicago.
Sticking With This Group
Save for what will undoubtedly be a barrage of highlights from Bedard, this training camp should be pretty quiet for the Blackhawks, Davidson says. He doesn’t anticipate sending out any surprising camp invites and doesn’t really intend to grab any extra bodies. When he was discussing Korchinski, Davidson also brought up that their room of blueliners is full – maybe even too full. Guys will be competing among themselves for spots in the lineup, but don’t hold out for any outside additions.
