Chicago Blackhawks unexpectedly healthy scratch 2 trade candidates moments before puck drop
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Before Thursday's game against the Boston Bruins, the Chicago Blackhawks scratched Sam Lafferty and Lukas Reichel out of the lineup.
To many's surprise, head coach Jeff Blashill scratched forwards Lukas Reichel and Sam Lafferty.
With both players out of the lineup, the team headed into Boston with a lineup of 11 forwards and 7 defensemen, an odd sighting, and an interesting change after their opening night very tight loss against the defending Stanley Cup champions.
While it might seem like an affront to both players, in recent weeks, we've seen Lukas Reichel's name buzz in trade rumors, which included the Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks, and Vancouver Canucks as interested parties.
Lukas Reichel Is A Trade-Chip for the Blackhawks
While Reichel has been named in trade rumors lately, there haven't been any buyers yet.
If he is being held out due to a possible trade, it is in order to keep him healthy.
The last team that was in contact with the Blackhawks for Reichel was the Edmonton Oilers, whose connection to Reichel is GM Stan Bowman.
He drafted the forward in 2020 when he was in Chicago's management group.
According to Keegan Rush of ChiCitySports:
"Friedman noted that there is «no shortage of interest» in Lukas Reichel, but emphasized that the Blackhawks are being patient in their approach. With several teams inquiring about the young forward, general manager Kyle Davidson appears to be gauging market value before finalizing any potential deal."
It'll be interesting to see where Reichel could land by the trade deadline, if he's not dealt before then. In 70 games with the Blackhawks last season, he scored 22 points (8-14).
Sam Lafferty was acquired in trade from the Buffalo Sabres during the offseason for a 2026 6th-round pick.
The forward hasn't had much impact during his second stint with the Blackhawks, and as a fourth-liner, he could be moved for assets.
Previously on HawksInsider
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