Report: Blackhawks young gun on verge of requesting trade to leave Chicago

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Sam Walker
March 17, 2024 (11:09)

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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.