Official trade underway for the Chicago Blackhawks: A young forward's time appears over

The Chicago Blackhawks handed down contract extensions to several key players this offseason, such as Frank Nazar, Spencer Knight, Arvid Söderblom and Wyatt Kaiser. While all eyes are on Connor Bedard as he enters the final year of his entry-level NHL contract, another player could be taking part in his last season for the Hawks.

Indeed, the young German forward Lukas Reichel, who's been involved in a lot of trade rumors over the summer, mostly implying the Edmonton Oilers. Expected to take more responsibilities in the last years, he hasn't been performing up to expectations, and his time in Chicago could end sooner rather than later, per Elliotte Friedman.

The renowned NHL insider Elliotte Friedman made a massive statement on the latest episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast.

He mentioned that both the Hawks and Reichel's camp understand that time might have come to end their association, and that the Blackhawks appear willing to make a move.

In his own words, as seen on X:

Drafted 17th overall by the Hawks in 2020, Reichel, who's now 23 years old, has tallied 54 points in 169 NHL games since joining the NHL.

Last season, he scored eight goals and 14 assists in 70 games, while tallying a -16 plus/minus.

Even if he was drafted in the first round and has a lot of potential, he doesn't seem to fit in Chicago's plans anymore.

But considering his struggles, it would be surprising to see another NHL team make a significant offer for Reichel. If they truly want him gone, the Hawks could need to accept a low return to make it so.