Chicago Blackhawks reportedly exploring trade options for Lukas Reichel

The Chicago Blackhawks appear ready to move on from young forward Lukas Reichel, as trade discussions surrounding the 23-year-old have intensified in recent days. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, multiple teams have expressed interest in acquiring Reichel, with offers reportedly centered around late-round draft picks.

While Chicago hasn’t made an official move yet, all indications point toward the organization exploring the market and weighing its best possible return for the former first-round selection.

Chicago Blackhawks field offers for Lukas Reichel

Friedman noted that there is “no shortage of interest” in Lukas Reichel, but emphasized that the Blackhawks are being patient in their approach. With several teams inquiring about the young forward, general manager Kyle Davidson appears to be gauging market value before finalizing any potential deal.

At just 23 years old, Reichel remains an intriguing talent. Drafted 17th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, he entered Chicago’s system with high expectations and was once considered a key piece of the team’s long-term rebuild. However, his development has not gone as planned.

Reichel has struggled to cement his place in the Blackhawks’ top six, especially under new head coach Jeff Blashill, whose system emphasizes structure and defensive responsibility. Despite showing flashes of offensive brilliance, his style hasn’t meshed well with the team’s evolving identity — one that prioritizes two-way consistency over pure offensive flair.

As a result, Reichel has found himself stuck in an unenviable position: too skilled for a bottom-six role yet unable to consistently break through in the top lines. That imbalance has limited his opportunities and productivity, ultimately leading the Blackhawks to consider parting ways.

Insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff also confirmed that Chicago has been “actively shopping” Reichel and anticipates that a deal could come together “likely before next week.” The expected return would likely fall in the mid-to-late-round pick range, a modest price tag for a player who was once a top prospect within the organization.

Why Lukas Reichel from Chicago Blackhawks Still Holds Value on the Trade Market

Although Reichel’s tenure in Chicago hasn’t lived up to its initial promise, his skill set ensures he won’t be short on suitors. Despite recording a disappointing eight goals and 22 points in 70 games during the 2024–25 season, his speed, puck-handling ability, and offensive instincts make him an attractive reclamation project for teams seeking a low-cost, high-upside forward.

In the AHL, Reichel showcased his potential, producing back-to-back 50-point seasons with the Rockford IceHogs, Chicago’s affiliate. That track record has kept several organizations interested, especially those that believe a change of scenery could unlock his offensive ceiling.

According to reports, a few potential suitors have already emerged:

Montreal Canadiens: Seeking young offensive depth as they continue their rebuild.

Carolina Hurricanes: Interested in adding a fast, skilled winger who can complement their speed-driven system.

Vegas Golden Knights: Looking for affordable scoring options to round out their bottom-six rotation.

For these teams, Reichel represents a low-risk, high-reward investment, a player who still has room to develop and could thrive in a system that allows him more offensive freedom.

From Chicago’s perspective, moving Reichel could help clear up roster space for emerging talents like Frank Nazar, Oliver Moore, and Colton Dach, who are all pushing for regular NHL minutes. It also gives the front office more flexibility heading into the 2025–26 campaign as they continue building around cornerstone players like Connor Bedard and Kevin Korchinski.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-blackhawks-to-trade-lukas-reichel