AHL postseason experience would be big for Reichel

Lukas Reichel remains with the Blackhawks.

For now.

For the most part, the Hawks want their talented rookie forward to grow his game in the minors this season, but they are giving him some chances in the NHL as well.

Reichel, who centered the top line in losses to Dallas and Florida, saw plenty of time on the first- and second-unit power play units during Wednesday's practice at Fifth Third Arena.

Interim coach Derek King said the Hawks are taking it day by day with the rookie and are thrilled that he can participate in three straight days of practice.

"Today we worked on special teams," King said. "It's not always the greatest practice to watch, but it's something we needed to take advantage of with these three days. So it's good for him to be a part of that and (we'll) just monitor him, see how he's doing."

Assuming the Hawks don't make a miraculous run, they would love to see Reichel gain valuable experience in the Calder Cup playoffs.

It's a decent bet Rockford (21-18-4, .535 points percentage) will qualify, although the fourth-place IceHogs aren't that far ahead of Grand Rapids (.511), Iowa (.500) and Texas (.477). In a new format this year, the fourth and fifth teams in each division play a best-of-three series then face the top seed (currently the Chicago Wolves) in a best-of-five.

Rockford has three games this weekend: at Iowa and then back-to-back at home against Texas.

"With their team in a playoff spot right now, it'd be good for him to be down there," King said. "I've been a part of playoff hockey in the American League in Toronto and it's huge for these guys ... to get that feel of playing some pressure hockey. If that's the case, he should be down there playing some pressure hockey."

Reichel has 14 goals and 19 assists in 33 games for Rockford. He has no points while averaging 15½ minutes in four games with the Hawks.

Surgery for Khaira:

Jujhar Khaira had successful surgery on his lower back at Northwestern Memorial Hospital on Tuesday. The forward will be out of hockey activities for 10-12 weeks, according to Dr. Michael Terry.

Khaira had a rough first season with the Hawks. He missed 3.5 weeks after being knocked out by the Rangers' Jacob Trouba on December 7, returned to play nine games and then was diagnosed with a back injury shortly after playing at Seattle on January 17.

Khaira, who signed a two-year, $1.95 million deal as a free agent in the off-season, scored 3 goals and averaged 13½ minutes of ice time in 27 games.

"It's obviously not the year he wanted," said interim coach Derek King. "Obviously we're a much better team with him in the lineup, the way he plays. But sometimes these things happen and you gotta deal with them. He'll deal with it the right way and we'll get him ready for next year."

More injury news:

• Jonathan Toews did some individual drills (including a bunch of one-timers) but did not join his teammates for practice at Fifth Third Arena. The Hawks' captain has missed eight straight games while in concussion protocol and isn't likely to play against New Jersey on Friday or St. Louis on Sunday.

• Tyler Johnson was a full participant Wednesday and was inserted in the bumper (middle) role on the Hawks' top power-play unit. Interim coach Derek King said the veteran forward might be able to play this weekend, but also added the team doesn't want to rush him. Johnson (1G, 2A in eight games) has been out since October 29.

• Defenseman Jake McCabe and goalie Marc-Andre Fleury missed a second straight practice (both taking maintenance days), but both are expected to play Friday.

Slap shot:

The Hawks activated goalie Kevin Lankinen (right hand) off injured reserve and reassigned Arivd Soderblom to Rockford.