When the Boston Bruins acquired former first-round pick Lukas Reicel last March, the plan was to get a low-risk, high-reward piece into the fold.
The pedigree is certainly there. Reichel was the 17th overall pick in 2020. Unfortunately, he never really put it together in Chicago. In four seasons with the Blackhawks, Reichel managed to top 20 points just once. That led the organization to cut bait last year, sending him to the Vancouver Canucks. In Vancouver, he managed just one assist in 14 games.
That’s where the Bruins figured that Reichel would be worth taking a flyer. It cost Boston a sixth-round pick.
That’s not bad. It’s the sort of deal that has an opportunity to work out magnificently.
But this isn’t some magic bean that could blossom into something. The Bruins actually have a vested interest in seeing Reichel finally put it together this upcoming season.
If he does figure things out, the Bruins may have a decent option for one of the team’s biggest needs.
Bruins need help down the middle
It’s no secret that the Bruins need help down the middle. The organization desperately needs to build substantial center depth. If Reichel can finally find the promise that made him a first-round pick, he could very well become the player that the Bruins need to shore up the middle.
While Reichel won’t be a superstar, at least he doesn’t project to be, he could still become a solid middle-six NHL center. That’s something to keep in mind as Reichel is still only 24. That’s why there’s still an upside to his skill set.
The question will be: What can the Bruins do to unlock his potential?
Reichel should benefit from playing under Marco Sturm
It should be no coincidence that the Bruins saw an opportunity with Reichel. He’s a fellow countryman of Boston head coach Marco Sturm.
And that may be the key to unlocking Reichel’s potential.
In addition to Sturm actually being a good coach, the familiarity with other countrymen like Sturm and JJ Peterka is something the Bruins likely see as a major positive.
If the engagement with other German players and coaches is enough to help Reichel feel at least well, that could very well take him from an afterthought to a productive NHLer.
It’s worth pointing out that many “failed” prospects don’t make it because they’re not talented. They often land in situations that just aren’t the most conducive to their success.
Some never make it out of that funk. Others get a fresh start and discover the talent that once made them a promising prospect.
That’s what the Bruins are banking on. And they have the right guy in Sturm to help Reichel finally figure out the best path forward.
For Reichel and the team’s sake, let’s hope things work just like that.
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