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Chicago Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs become suggested trade partners for an intriguing asset
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According to recent reports, it appears that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Brad Treliving could be suitors for former 17th overall pick Lukas Reichel of the Chicago Blackhawks; the two teams have an established relationship as trading partners.
The Chicago Blackhawks could find a way to give Lukas Reichel a fresh start in the NHL.
As rumors continue to swirl, the 17th overall forward's name has found its way onto NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman's 32 Thoughts Podcast.
The Insider believes that the Blackhawks have placed him on the trade block, and suitors like the Maple Leafs could be the ones calling in on the German forward.
Lukas Reichel's Future with the Blackhawks
Lukas Reichel was originally drafted 17th overall by the Blackhawks in the 2020 NHL Draft.
The native German winger would show promise as a top-six forward that year, scoring 12-12-24 in 42 games played in 2020-21 with the Berlin Polar Bears.
Reichel would begin his career in the NHL during the 2021-22 season, where he'd play 11 games and come away with 1 point.
His career has been defined by ebbs and flows, where he'd make strides in the NHL and the forward would later be sent back down to the AHL once he cooled off.
The German player would find stability under Pat Maroon's leadership, but it wouldn't be enough to save him from entering the trade block late in the offseason. The 2024-25 season was a disappointing year for Reichel as they hoped he'd find his game under Maroon's guidance, but he came away with 8-14-22 points that year.
The Blackhawks Will Look to Offload Lukas Reichel In A Trade
A reset could be what's needed for the former 1st-round pick.
He heard whispers of being traded this summer; one rumored destination was Edmonton.
In an interview with Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times, he explained the situation:
I heard from guys in Germany that I didn't know knew hockey. They come up to me and say, «You're going to go to Edmonton.» I can't do anything about it.
It makes it even more motivating for me because you have one year and you just put everything into it. That's why you try stuff with the training.
It makes it even more motivating for me because you have one year and you just put everything into it. That's why you try stuff with the training.
As a failed top-six prospect in Chicago, the team still controls his rights, which makes him a trade chip for any potential NHL team that wants him. However, he could use this year to increase his value and improve his play.
The Maple Leafs could find a spot for Reichel in a potential move that places him in a top-six role alongside John Tavares, or maybe as a middle-six option next to Nic Roy.
It wouldn't be much to acquire Reichel, considering the majority of his career in the NHL has been a disappointment.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 14 | 170 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs become suggested trade partners for an intriguing asset Do you think the Chicago Blackhawks will trade forward Lukas Reichel? | ||
| Yes | 130 | 76.5 % |
| No | 40 | 23.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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