It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re deep into the summer, but there is still plenty of chatter. Signings have been made. However, there could still be a number of trades that could take place before the season starts. Teams have tough choices to make in order to improve their rosters. Some clubs want to gain more assets and that means some deals may need to happen.
One team that could make a trade is the Chicago Blackhawks. This edition of NHL rumours deals with a young German winger that could be on the block.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Chicago Blackhawks Could Deal German Forward
Rumour: The Fourth Period reports that teams have been calling about young left winger Lukas Reichel. Fourth Period also reports that the Blackhawks have been listening to offers for the youngster.
Analysis: Chicago has been stuck to the bottom of the Central Division for quite a while. The pressure is on general manager Kyle Davidson to finally get the team moving up the standings. We saw the Blackhawks make a number of veteran signings in the 2024 off-season. However, those moves did not bear fruit and many of those players became trade chips.
The glory days of the last decade in the Windy City are long gone. However, the team would like to start getting back into contention. Chicago doesn’t want to waste some of the prime years of Connor Bedard‘s career being an also-ran. There’s still plenty of work that needs to be done. However, some progress would be nice.
Chicago has drafted fairly well the last couple of seasons. However, it’s still going to take time before all those prospects have a shot at contributing at the NHL level. A player like Reichel is showing promise, but the Blackhawks may package him as part of a larger deal to get immediate help.
Reichel is in the final year of a contract that sees him making $1.2 million per season. He’ll be an arbitration-eligible restricted free agent at the end of the season.
What It Means
Reichel isn’t the only name that appears on The Fourth Period’s summer trade list. Defenceman Connor Murphy shows up in the 13th spot as potential trade bait. Both young players could provide immediate assistance to a roster that needs young players.
Both Murphy and Reichel have to yet have a team public linked to them. However, both players have drawn some interest from other clubs. Murphy could be very helpful to a team looking to shore up the right side of its defensive group. Injuries have hampered Murphy the last couple of seasons. However, he can still contribute if in the lineup.
Murphy is also in the final year of a contract that sees him making $4.4 million per season. The cap hit could be a digestible one for anyone looking to improve their defensive depth.
Both players could be moved due the Blackhawks’ need for veteran players that can help right away. One wonders if talks will heat up further as the regular season draws closer.
Main photo by: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
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