Detroit Red Wings acquire Chicago Blackhawks' former 1st round pick in an intriguing trade pitch
Photo credit: NHL.com
The Detroit Red Wings could add a former top prospect to the team, in Lukas Reichel of the Chicago Blackhawks, as the Detroit Red Wings and Steve Yzerman acquire the 23-year-old forward in a recent trade proposal.
The Detroit Red Wings' 2024-25 season was one to learn and grow from.
With a 6th-place finish in the Atlantic Division and a 39-38-5 record, there's plenty to improve on.
The hope is the team will be competing for a playoff spot in 2025-26, with a core of Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond, and Patrick Kane.
But there's a sense that it's not complete yet, as there are multiple holes in the blueline, and in the crease (even with the acquisition of John Gibson).
They could use another "skilled" winger, and when you're operating on a budget, you need talent that fits the mold.
The Cost of Acquiring Lukas Reichel
General Manager Steve Yzerman could add an additional winger in Lukas Reichel, in exchange for late-round draft picks.
Red Wings Get:
Lukas Reichel
Blackhawks Get:
2026 Second-Round Pick
2028 Fourth-Round Pick
Lukas Reichel
Blackhawks Get:
2026 Second-Round Pick
2028 Fourth-Round Pick
The most the team would have to spend for Reichel is a 2nd-round pick, and as a reclamation project, he could blossom into something else. A fresh start is what is needed, and the Blackhawks could utilize the assets for trade.
Since Reichel has struggled to find his identity in the Blackhawks system, a fresh start is needed. Todd McLellan and the team could figure out where he belongs best in Hockeytown.
He's had experience playing on both the top and bottom six in Chicago, and one of his last linemates was Pat Maroon, before he retired.
The Blackhawks have been taking calls on Reichel, with the former 1st-rounder failing to live up to expectations. Per Elliotte Friedman and the 32 Thoughts Podcast:
«I just think it's a name (Reichel) that's out there,» Friedman said. «I think it's understood that the Blackhawks are willing to make the move if they find a trade partner, and I think the player understands it might be time too.»
Last season in the NHL, he scored 8-14-22, in mixed usage on both 1st- and 4th lines in 2024-25.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 18 | 504 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings acquire Chicago Blackhawks' former 1st round pick in an intriguing trade pitch Would you trade two Detroit Red Wings draft picks for forward Lukas Reichel of the Chicago Blackhawks? | ||
| Yes | 154 | 30.6 % |
| No | 350 | 69.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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