Blackhawks Recall Reichel, Provide Injury Updates on Toews and Khaira

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Jonnie Nonnie | Last updated 2/18/22

After a lackluster showing on Thursday night, the Chicago Blackhawks made a series of roster moves. The team recalled top prospect Lukas Reichel from the Rockford IceHogs on Friday morning and provided injury updates on Jonathan Toews and Jujhar Khaira.

Round 2 for Lukas Reichel

This is second time the Blackhawks have recalled Reichel. The team first brought him up for a pair of games in mid-January. The 19-year-old forward recorded five shots on goal while averaging 15:23 of ice time but did not crack the score sheet during those two contests.

Down in Rockford, Reichel has been the IceHogs’ leading scorer this season. He has 33 points (14 goals, 19 assists) in 33 games at the AHL level.

Jonathan Toews and Jujhar Khaira Injury Updates

While the Reichel news is exciting, the following injury updates are not.

Jonathan Toews (concussion protocol) has been placed on injured reserve retroactive to Jan. 26.

Jujhar Khaira (lower back) placed on long-term injured reserve. #Blackhawks
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) February 18, 2022

The Blackhawks originally placed Jonathan Toews in concussion protocol on Jan. 28. Today, the team moved him to injured reserve retroactive to Jan. 26. Toews appeared to suffer the concussion when battling along the boards with Joe Veleno during a game against Detroit on Jan. 26.

Here's a look at the play that might be the reason why Jonathan Toews is in concussion protocol.

He took a hit from Joe Veleno in the third period on Wednesday. Looked to be in some discomfort on the bench but finished the game. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/OZYnt939QR
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) January 28, 2022

Furthermore, Jujhar Khaira is now on long-term injured reserve. The forward has been dealing with back issues that initially forced him to injured reserve on Jan. 22 (retroactive to Jan. 17).

On Wednesday, interim head coach Derek King said Khaira would require more tests. The Hawks’ bench boss also added that he didn’t know if surgery was in the cards for Khaira or not. Either way, the Blackhawks will be without the 27-year-old winger for the foreseeable future.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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