The Colorado Avalanche will look to augment their depth for the future. Speedy winger Lukas Reichel may be a prospect to watch.
The Colorado Avalanche have drafted well in recent years. For that reason, they have some good depth in their organization. They’ve finally matured to a team that’s in a win-now mode rather than waiting for their young team to develop.
The Avalanche want to keep their success rolling for years, though — think how well the Tampa Bay Lightning continue to perform year after year. Therefore, the Avalanche need to continue to draft well for the future.
As with everything else in this COVID world, this year’s draft will be odd. The first round is taking place on October 6. I haven’t heard for sure, but I assume it will be a virtual draft similar to how the NFL ran theirs.
Colorado did very well this season and decent this postseason. They should have the #31 draft selection, but it didn’t work out that way. Instead, they’ll be choosing #25.
The #25 selection is always going to be a pick for the future, and most likely future depth. The player the Avs choose will take time to develop. One option they may look at is a winger out of Germany, Lukas Reichel.
Reichel is ranked #11 for EU players by Central Scouting. He’s projected to go between #20 to #50.
Lukas Reichel Stats
Reichel has been playing for Eisbären Berlin in the top-tier German league, DEL, this last season. Prior to that he was in the juniors version of the DEL. His rookie season in the men’s league, he recorded 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) in 42 games as a 17-year-old.
Reichel has represented his country extensively. He’s played for the U16, U17, U18, and U20 teams. He’s done quite well internationally, sometimes recording over a point a game. Indeed, in his most recent performance for the U20 team, he recorded four goals in three games.
Lukas Reichel Highlights
Scouts see a lot to like in the German winger’s game. They’re especially appreciative of his speed and scoring ability.
Here’s how Bill Placzek of DraftSite describes Reichel:
"“German left winger who finds open ice with his above average speed and agility in tight spaces. Has set-up skills and likes to shoot.”"
Those are good skills for a forward to have, of course. However, Placzek does consider that Reichel “hasn’t established his 200-foot game yet.” Indeed, the scout believes Reichel needs to “thicken up” so he can add some physicality to his game. The prospect is 6-foot and around 170 pounds.
Ben Kerr of Last Word on Sports would concur with all the above points. He does see that Reichel needs to bulk up. And he calls the German winger’s defensive game “a work in progress.” However, Kerr says this of the youngster’s offensive game:
"“He has quick hands and can deke a goalie in tight, or get the puck up quickly into a tight area. He also can bang in a rebound, quickly one-time a pass, or deflect in a teammate’s shot.”"
Kerr is especially admiring of Reichel’s skating:
"“His explosive first step and good acceleration make him dangerous off the rush. He also has very good agility and edgework, allowing him to make quick cuts and get away from defenders both with and without the puck.”"
According to Kerr, this skating ability makes Reichel difficult to contain in one-on-one situations.
Let’s see the prospect in action:
Boy, that skating is fun to watch.
Lukas Reichel is the nephew of Robert Reichel, who played over 800 games in the NHL with the Calgary Flames, New York Islanders, Phoenix Coyotes, and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Lukas Reichel and the Colorado Avalanche
More from Draft
- Colorado Avalanche 2020 class: Where are they now?
- What to know about Colorado Avalanche rounds 5-7 picks
- Colorado Avalanche analysis of 2023 first-round picks
- How to watch the NHL Draft With and Without Cable: Full Streaming Guide
- Colorado Avalanche grade in 2022 NHL Draft is okay
The Colorado Avalanche are going to draft a player who needs development. Lukas Reichel needs development. Is he the development-needing player Colorado will draft, though?
His speed and offensive skill definitely make him a noteworthy prospect. You need both to even be considered for this Avs team. However, the recent emphasis has also been on defense. The scouts will have to evaluate if they think Reichel can develop enough of that to make the team. Otherwise, they’ll advise GM Joe Sakic to draft elsewhere.
I like Reichel for the Avalanche, even though Colorado might be picking below their position if they draft him in the first round. I’m sure if he’s still available in the second round, though, the Avs won’t hesitate to snap him up.
The 2020 NHL Draft takes place October 6 to 7. Round one starts at 5 PM MDT. Round 2 starts at 9:30 AM MDT.