Chicago Blackhawks set to trade 23-year old forward: Per NHL insider
Photo credit: Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers
An NHL insider believes the Chicago Blackhawks are set to trade a 23-year-old forward.
As the Blackhawks continue navigating their rebuild, it appears one of their young pieces could be on the move.
According to NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, teams are calling about Lukas Reichel, and Chicago isn't hanging up the phone.
"Teams have been calling about Reichel and the Blackhawks have been listening. He's going into the final year of his current contract and will remain controllable after this season. Chicago is looking to package assets for immediate upgrades, so we'll see if Reichel is part of that."
Reichel, the 17th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, hasn't quite lived up to the offensive expectations placed on him. Last season, he posted career-highs with just 8 goals and 14 assists for 22 points. Despite fitting the age profile of the rebuild, his development has stalled, possibly due to his limited on-ice role:
"I didn't get many minutes, I was fourth line most of the year,» Reichel said during his end-of-year media availability. «So, it's different, it's harder to produce and score. I try to stay positive and make the little things right. Just battle hard and grind. I'm happy about that with how I played."
Reichel has one year left on a two-year, $2.4 million deal. While he has not been able to crack the top six regularly, the 23-year-old still believes in his upside.
"Camp is going to be huge for me and in the season, too. Guys are going to go up and down the line in the season. Yeah, there is always hope that I will get the opportunity (to be in the top-six)."
The Blackhawks, meanwhile, are counting on youth to drive their next phase:
We're heading into a new stage... leaving open spots in the NHL for some of these young players."
With a quiet offseason and a filled prospect pool, Reichel could end up bringing a lot in return to Chicago on the trade market.
Stay tuned for more.
Previously on Hawks Insider
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 18 | 641 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks set to trade 23-year old forward: Per NHL insider Do you think the Chicago Blackhawks would make a mistake by trading Lukas Reichel? | ||
| Yes | 340 | 53 % |
| No | 301 | 47 % |
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