Is it too early in the season for Chicago Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson to bench Philipp Kurashev?

Philipp Kurashev was one of the few bright spots on offense for the Chicago Blackhawks last season outside of Connor Bedard. Now that he is no longer skating with the Hawks phenom, Kurashev has gotten off to a slow start.

It has reached the point that he is heading toward being a healthy scratch against the Vancouver Canucks.

While head coach Luke Richardson might have a hammer this year, this might be the equivalent of swinging it ants.

Kurashev has just a goal in six games as he is being asked to center the second line. It is a new role for him, but one that Richardson does not seem to be patient with.

However, he is asking Kurashev to properly play the role.

There is nothing wrong with Richardson wanting to have high standards. The Hawks have better talent this season, and talented prospects cleaning it up in Rockford.

The upgraded talent is starting to pay off.

However, Richardson is being a bit more patient with struggling defenseman T.J. Brodie. His play has certainly earned him a night watching the game in the press box.

It is not like Kurashev is 22 such as Lukas Reichel, and Reichel being a healthy scratch can still stunt his development. Kurashev is a veteran who is already a proven commodity.

The decision to bench Kurashev could indirectly harm Reichel. Part of the line shuffling means Andreas Athanasiou moves up to the second line. This might not be the best timing, as Athanasiou and Craig Smith were starting to get the best out of Reichel.

Well, at least for one night, but at the same time, Reichel has only played in two nights. There has not been too many nights for Reichel to shine.

This also means Reichel moves to center on the fourth line. Center was not a position Lukas was very good at playing.

That is why sending this message to Kurashev might not have the best timing. It is impacting one line's effectiveness. It also might be too soon for Richardson to break out his hammer. Then again, if he does not swing it, a pivotal piece of the next competitive team might not get better.

Plus, it feels like he is going to take one swing at Kurashev, and he will likely be back on the ice. At least, that should be the hope.