Breaking down the likeliest trade destination for Blackhawks' Lukas Reichel

The Chicago Blackhawks have parted ways with Philipp Kurashev, and more changes could be coming in the next few days as the team works to use its biggest asset, cap space.

With an influx of rookies expected to make their mark on the NHL next season, the Blackhawks are now going to be forced to make some tough calls sooner rather than later. Kurashev was the first casualty, and another could be coming this offseason.

Lukas Reichel has come a long way since getting drafted 17th overall by the Blackhawks in 2020. Reichel, 23, has played in 169 NHL games over the past four seasons. The German forward has fallen victim to a Blackhawks front office that failed to put Reichel in the best position to develop over the past few years, as it seems he was thrown into the fire of the NHL too quickly.

Now, Reichel is entering the final year of a two-year $2.4 million contract he signed in May 2024, and it seems unlikely the Hawks would want to sign Reichel long term after last season. Reichel played in 70 games last season, scoring eight goals and 22 points during that time.

Reichel, who played in a bottom-six role all season, soured on both of his coaches last season in Luke Richardson and Anders Sorensen. A lack of effort, decision making, and overall effectiveness pushed Reichel into the press box as a healthy scratch night in and night out, and the Hawks now could be forced to move Reichel to clear up a spot in the lineup for someone else.

The Blackhawks trading Lukas Reichel could be a low risk addition for a contender.

One team comes to mind for the Blackhawks and a Lukas Reichel trade. The Edmonton Oilers are right up against the salary cap limit and have lost some offensive pieces in guys like Corey Perry and Viktor Arvidsson.

Adding Lukas Reichel, a forward Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman drafted in his final summer in Chicago, would be an easy addition for the Oilers. Reichel would enter an Oilers team looking to contend. Maybe the group around him would help elevate his play, especially with the chance to play alongside his fellow countryman Leon Draisaitl.

Reichel seems like a slam dunk to leave Chicago and have success. For whatever reason, things just are not working with the Blackhawks; and Chicago's patience is running out as they look to bring in another year of prospects now looking to contend for roster spots.