Lukas Reichel Firmly on Trade Block for Blackhawks

Lukas Reichel, Chicago Blackhawks forward

Things didn't go as planned for the Chicago Blackhawks last season, as they were trying to take the next steps in their rebuild. And Lukas Reichel, the Hawks' former first-round pick, is one of those who just hasn't progressed as they'd hoped.

Now, according to insider Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts podcast this week, Reichel's name is firmly on the trade block, As he gets to enter the final season of a two-year $2.4 million contract ($1.2M AAV), Chicago is ready to move on.

I just think it's a name that's out there...
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.

The 23-year-old can be considered a low-risk, high-reward candidate on the trade market, as it could be argued that a change of scenery could unlock his potential and turn him into a solid middle-six forward.

Reichel was the 17th overall pick by the Hawks in the 2020 NHL Draft. The German forward's first year in North America under the team's watch was a good one. He notched 21 goals and 57 points in 56 games with the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. But in three different callups to Chicago, he was only able to muster up one assist in 11 games.

In 2022-23, the 6-foot, 170-pound forward once again looked fine in the AHL, with 20 goals and 51 points in 55 games. And this time, he showed a bit of promise in shorter stints at the NHL level, with eight points in the final eight games of the campaign, and 15 points in 23 games overall.

What's next for Blackhawks' failed first-rounder Lukas Reichel?

But his progress once again hit a wall in his third year. There has been plenty of criticism of the manner in which his development has been handled by the Blackhawks.

His attempt to shift from the wing to a role at center didn't pay off, as he managed just 16 points in 65 games in 2023-24. Last year was much the same, with 22 points in 70 games.

Reichel is a buy-low trade candidate for any team willing to take a minimal risk, with only a $1.2 million cap hit.