New Elliotte Friedman report reveals a Chicago Blackhawks forward's time has likely come to an end
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According to recent reports from NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, Lukas Reichel is the next Blackhawks player who could be out the door; unfortunately, not even Pat Maroon could save him from his fate in Chicago.
Last season, Lukas Reichel experienced highs and lows.
But his issue was consistency, and finding production to justify the team using a 17th overall pick for the forward. Reichel's career in Chicago has been plagued by issues that have caused him to jump up and down between the AHL and NHL.
A lack of self-confidence would lead to falling production, and with that, he'd find himself in an IceHogs sweater near the end of the 2023-24 season.
He'd show promise in the AHL, and the carousel for the German forward would begin again as Kyle Davidson let him back on the ride for 2024-25.
Unfortunately, the results were varied; even with mentor Pat Maroon guiding him along, he'd find himself as a fourth-line role player, rather than a top-six forward.
Is Lukas Reichel's Rollercoaster in Chicago At An End?
According to reports from NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, the Blackhawks could use Reichel as a trade chip. That, of course, depends on how Reichel's year plays out.
Last season in 2024-25, he played on the fourth line, saw limited minutes on the first line, and scored only 8-14-22 in 70 games with the Blackhawks.
Now it appears the former 17th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft may be the next trade piece as a reclamation project in the NHL.
Rumors swirled about a link to the Edmonton Oilers via General Manager Stan Bowman, but nothing has materialized since.
It'll be a great disappointment for him to leave Chicago, as Reichel could've been so much more. I wonder if he'll turn a new leaf elsewhere if Kyle Davidson manages to trade him.
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