The Detroit Red Wings are entering the 2025-26 season with the hope of becoming a playoff team again. The Original Six club extended their playoff drought in 2024-25 after finishing last season with a 39-35-8 record. With this, they did not take the next big step that they had hoped for.
When looking at the Red Wings’ roster heading into the new year, it is fair to argue that they could compete for a playoff spot. They have a solid group of high-impact players like Dylan Larkin, Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond, Patrick Kane, and Alex DeBrincat. They also added to their roster by bringing in John Gibson, Mason Appleton, James van Riemsdyk, and Travis Hamonic this summer.
Yet, when looking the Red Wings’ current roster, it is fair to say that they could use another skilled winger. Due to this, one player who they should seriously consider making a push for is Chicago Blackhawks forward Lukas Reichel.
Heavy Sports has a trade proposal that has the Blackhawks trading Reichel to the Red Wings.
Red Wings Get:
Lukas Reichel
Blackhawks Get:
2026 Second-Round Pick
2028 Fourth-Round Pick
Blackhawks Willing To Trade Lukas Reichel
Reichel has struggled to find his fit with the Blackhawks. Because of this, the 2020 first-round pick has been the subject of trade rumors for a decent amount of time now. This includes this off-season, and questions about his future in Chicago are only continuing to come up with the 2025-26 season almost here.
During a recent episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the Blackhawks have made Reichel available for trade.
“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.”
It is understandable that both the Blackhawks and Reichel are open to moving on from each other. Things have not gone as planned for Reichel in Chicago, as he has had trouble cementing himself as a key part of their roster. Thus, perhaps a change of scenery could be exactly what helps the young forward take that next step.
Why Red Wings Could Land Reichel With This Trade Offer
With Reichel struggling to break out after multiple seasons with the Blackhawks, his trade value is lower than it once was. While this is the case, the Blackhawks are not just going to give him away. Because of this, the Red Wings offering their 2026 second-round pick and their 2028 fourth-round pick could be enough.
With the Blackhawks rebuilding, they are looking to improve their prospect pool. Due to this, getting another second-round pick could certainly be something they are interested in. They could land a solid prospect with Detroit’s second-rounder and could also try to find a gem with their 2028 fourth-rounder.
Ultimately, with this move, the Blackhawks would get some assets for a player who has not been a fit. The Red Wings, on the other hand, would be taking a chance on a 23-year-old former first-rounder with good upside.