Reports reveal Blackhawks have been getting offers for one of their young forwards

While it seemed the Chicago Blackhawks' offseason was done aside from re-signing a couple more restricted free agents, recent reports suggest they might still be active in the trade market.

A report from The Fourth Period revealed that the Blackhawks have been receiving calls regarding Lukas Reichel and are listening to offers on the former first-round pick.

The 23-year-old forward has not lived up to the expectations placed on him during his time with the Rockford IceHogs (AHL) or his first stint in the NHL, where he posted 15 points in 23 games. There was hope that he would become a reliable top-six winger for the next generation of hockey in Chicago, but he has struggled to find that same level of production shown in 2022-23.

His last two seasons saw him bounce between different spots in the lineup, though primarily playing as the fourth-line center this past season where he tallied 22 points in 70 games.

When it comes to Reichel, his speed and skill are enough to make one believe that he could be poised for a breakout year

This past season saw Reichel show his speed and create chances more consistently than the year prior, though the overall consistency and compete level left many wanting more out of him.

It seems as though, at this moment in time, he is not strong/physical enough to be an ideal forechecking bottom-six player, nor is the offensive production enough for him to be a top-six winger, which leaves him in an odd spot.

This season, the Blackhawks are expected to give their young players more responsibility, which has led to Reichel falling down the depth charts when it comes to whether he will have a spot on the roster or be the odd man out.

Based on the report from the Fourth Period, the Blackhawks are listening but not actively trying to move Reichel. Though, it does sound as though the team would potentially package Reichel along with other assets such as prospects or draft capital in order to acquire a player who can be an immediate upgrade on their roster.

While rumors are rumors and it is entirely possible the Blackhawks keep Reichel around for one more year to see if he takes the next step, it is no secret that the patience is beginning to run thin.

With an almost entirely new coaching staff in Chicago, there is an opportunity for Reichel to earn himself a larger role with the team if he has a strong training camp and builds off that in the regular season.

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