The Blackhawks have agreed to terms with top forward prospect Lukas Reichel on a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Wednesday. His cap hit is $925,000.
"Lukas made tremendous strides in his second year as a professional. The game appeared to slow down for him this past season, which allowed his play-making skills to be on full display," President/GM Stan Bowman said in a statement. "Bringing him over to North America is the logical next step for his continued development and we’re excited to be able to add such a young, dynamic player to our forward group."
Reichel, who was drafted by Chicago with the No. 17 overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, registered 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists) in 38 games this season for Eisbären Berlin of the DEL, which is Germany's top professional league. He also added two goals and three assists in nine postseason contests.
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Reichel's impressive season didn't stop there. The 19-year-old forward, who played more center than wing this season, turned in a strong performance at the 2021 IIHF World Championship, where he recorded two goals and four assists in nine games for Germany. His six points ranked third on the team.
Reichel is expected to compete for a roster spot on the Blackhawks next season, although it's more likely he starts the 2021-22 campaign with the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.
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