Why this Maple Leafs-Blackhawks trade would be a win-win

The Toronto Maple Leafs could get rid of one of their wingers, and there is a possibility that his replacement will be found on the Chicago Blackhawks.

NHL insider Chris Johnston recently reported via SDPN that the Maple Leafs are "in a position to be open-minded" regarding a potential return of letting Nick Robertson go. On the other hand, Chicago would be open to shipping out Lukas Reichel, a player who also thinks it might be time to change teams, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman.

"I just think that it's a name (Lukas Reichel) that's out there. The Blackhawks are willing to make the move, and the player understands it might be time too," said Friedman on the "32 Thoughts" podcast.

Why a Nick Robertson, Lukas Reichel swap could benefit both teams and players

A one-for-one exchange of Robertson, 24, and Reichel, 23, could benefit not only both teams but also players, considering that they each need a change to relaunch their careers.

The two wingers have a similar level of production in the NHL, each notching 22 points last season. Specifically, Robertson tallied 15 goals and eight assists, while Reichel recorded eight goals and 14 assists.

In any case, they are two distinct profiles. Reichel has the potential to be a better option for Toronto because he provides complementarity in relation to what the team already has in the bottom six.

The 23-year-old winger stands out mainly in forechecking, puck recovery and in play creation, while Robertson's greatest quality is in shooting, which makes him depend on more creative teammates to be able to perform at a good level.

Furthermore, Reichel is a more versatile player, as he can play both as a winger and as a center. Having that in mind, coach Craig Berube could adapt him to different lines and roles within his tactical system.

Now, that doesn't mean that Robertson would be a bad addition for the Blackhawks. And that is because in Chicago, he could exploit his aforementioned greatest quality, shooting, and his goal-scoring ability. There, he would have the possibility to share ice in the top-six with Connor Bedard and other talented players on defense, which would maximize his chances of producing goals.

Toronto should consider this potential trade because, although it wouldn't resolve the team's current overpopulation in attacking positions, it would strengthen the squad's depth and has the potential to be the change it needs after the departure of star winger Mitch Marner to the Golden Knights.

On the other hand, Robertson would receive the opportunity to play in Chicago's top-six, and playing next to the likes of Bedard, Teuvo Teravainen and Ryan Donato would do nothing but boost his development.