ISERLOHN, GERMANY – JANUARY 05: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Lukas Reichel of Eisbaeren Berlin controls the puck during the DEL match between Iserlohn Roosters and Eisbaeren Berlin on January 5, 2021 in Iserlohn, Germany. (Photo by Ralf Treese/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Chicago Blackhawks prospect Lukas Reichel is going to continue playing hockey this spring, as the forward will reportedly represent Germany in the upcoming World Championships, set to begin May 21 in Latvia.
Reichel, a first-round pick of the Blackhawks in the 2020 NHL Draft, scored 10 goals and dished out 17 assists in 38 games for Eisbaren Berlin in the German league this season.
NHL.com's Brandon Cain first reported that Reichel will represent Germany in the tournament.
Reichel tested positive for coronavirus shortly before the World Junior Championships in 2020, preventing him from taking part in that competition.
Reichel's Eisbaren Berlin squad captured its league title earlier this week, leading to some questions over whether the youngster will come to the United States next season.
If Reichel were to leave Europe and come to the United States, he could join a recent bumper crop of European stars making the jump over to the U.S. to play for the Blackhawks. Dominik Kubalik has racked up 47 goals and 36 assists in 123 games since coming over to the Hawks from the Czech Republic, and Pius Suter has had a solid rookie season for Chicago, with 13 goals and 12 assists in 54 games.
Sports
The Blackhawks will wrap up their regular season on Monday night with a contest against the Dallas Stars. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. at the United Center.
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter.
