Report: Blackhawks young gun on verge of requesting trade to leave Chicago
About a month ago, Lukas Reichel, the Chicago Blackhawks' top prospect, got moved down to the American Hockey League (AHL). He wasn't happy about it and felt frustrated, especially after not doing well in the first half of the season. With only three goals and 10 points in 50 games, along with a bad plus-minus rating of -28, Reichel didn't take it well when he had to go to the Rockford IceHogs.
"At first, you're just mad and frustrated," he said. "But then the next day I woke up and I said: 'I'm going to turn this around and try my best down there and help this team win.'"
And that's what happened. Since he joined the IceHogs, they went on a seven-game winning streak, and Reichel played a big part in it, getting seven points in nine games with a plus-4 rating.
Now that he's back with the Blackhawks, Reichel wants to prove himself as a top prospect again. His past seasons in the AHL showed he has potential as a good two-way center, but this season was tough. Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said the move down was needed for Reichel's development, and it seems like it worked out.
"Just another way of trying to get things going, whether it be confidence, whether it be the play, getting more puck touches, just trying to get some positive momentum going," Davidson said. "It's been a tough year for him, but he responded well."
Even though he's back with the Blackhawks now, Reichel's future with the team isn't certain, especially since the team is near the bottom of the league with 41 points at 18-44- five. If he gets sent down again, there's a chance he might ask for a trade.
POLL |
Should the this forward have a permanent roster spot in the NHL? |
Yes | 64 | 49.6 % |
No | 65 | 50.4 % |
List of polls |
|
1 hour ago | By Ryan Hall Bad news delivered to ex-Chicago Blackhawk Patrick Kane |
|
2 hours ago | By Sam Walker Preview: Blackhawks reveal new streaming platform to fans as they take on Nashville Predators Thursday |
|
14 hours ago | By Sam Walker Elliotte Friedman drops bombshell report and reveals a trade and what's next for the Blackhawks |
|
14 hours ago | By Sam Walker Brad Marchand responds to head coach Jim Montgomery after viral physical altercation |
|
14 hours ago | By Sam Walker Red Wings' Alex DeBrincat makes the New Jersey Devils pay after brutal turnover |
|
16 hours ago | By Sam Walker Rangers place 34-year old veteran on waivers and it's an opportunity for the Chicago Blackhawks |
|
16 hours ago | By Joshua Deeds Will Connor Bedard Make The 4 Nation's Faceoff roster? |
|
17 hours ago | By Joshua Deeds Luke Richardson Provides an update on goalie Laurent Brossoit |
Previously on HawksInsider