Blackhawks Trade Rumors: Lukas Reichel Trade Linked to 4 Teams

While the Chicago Blackhawks may be still on the onward climb of their rebuild, it doesn't mean they won't be interested in trading away some of their younger core. Trade talks have followed around 23-year-old forward Lukas Reichel this offseason, and only a few days before the puck drops on the regular season, the talks continue.

According to David Pagnotta via Jeff Marek's The Sheet, Reichel could be traded to one of the Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks and Detroit Red Wings. Reichel is a pending restricted free agent, who is set to earn $1.2 million against the cap this season. 

The former 2020 first-round pick appeared in 70 games last season, scoring eight goals, adding 14 assists for 22 points. Reichel averaged 11:54 of ice-time and was used as a depth option on the Blackhawks' power play. 

Entering this season, he's been in tough to find a regular role with the Blackhawks, and talks continue around a potential deal. Reichel can play either wing, fill in at center as well, however, he only won 39% of his faceoffs last season, and it's certainly an area that needs some work.

Reichel also isn't the most physical forward, landing just 23 hits last season, and it's certainly an area of his game that he'll need to improve on if he wants to carve himself out a role among the middle six of a strong team. 

The Blackhawks have several holes among their lineup and don't appear to be a playoff team this season, so moving Reichel could give them a chance to plug in another player with untapped potential, to try and get the most out of them. As far as trade contenders go, the Canucks appear to be the most interested at this point.

Photo credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images