The Blackhawks aren’t waiting for the rebuild to come to them—they’re taking the fast lane.
Sources close to the organization suggest that Chicago is poised to accelerate its resurgence with a three-pronged strategy that includes locking down a future cornerstone, flipping a veteran for assets, and aggressively pursuing a game-breaking winger in free agency.
The Extension: Lukas Reichel, the Quiet Catalyst
First up: the extension. The Hawks are reportedly nearing a bridge deal with forward Lukas Reichel—likely a three-year, $12 million pact—that would give the 22-year-old the security he needs and the team the flexibility to keep building. Reichel, who showed flashes of elite playmaking alongside Connor Bedard late last season, is emerging as a legitimate top-six threat. The Hawks believe Reichel’s breakout is imminent, and locking him in now is both a gamble and a masterstroke.
The Trade: Connor Murphy’s Time Is Up
Next comes the trade chip: Connor Murphy. The reliable veteran defenseman has been a stalwart on Chicago’s blue line, but with young guns like Kevin Korchinski and Wyatt Kaiser coming into their own, the writing is on the wall. League insiders say the Blackhawks are shopping Murphy to playoff contenders in need of defensive depth. A second-round pick and a mid-level prospect is the rumored asking price. It’s a tough goodbye—but a necessary one to create cap space and opportunity.
The Target: Jake Guentzel, the Missing Spark
And then there’s the wildcard: Jake Guentzel. Set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer, Guentzel is exactly the kind of top-line sniper Chicago desperately needs to flank Bedard. He’s playoff-proven, a consistent 30+ goal scorer, and just hitting his prime at 30. Though Guentzel will command north of $8 million per year, the Hawks have the cap room and the vision. A Guentzel-Bedard-Reichel line wouldn’t just be dangerous—it would be headline material.
Fast-Track Mode: Activated
GM Kyle Davidson has preached patience, but this blueprint suggests a pivot—strategic, not reckless. With Bedard’s star rising fast, Chicago doesn’t want to waste his early years languishing in mediocrity. A Reichel extension solidifies the core, a Murphy trade adds future capital, and Guentzel gives them a win-now piece.
The message is clear: The Blackhawks are done watching from the basement. The rebuild isn’t over—but it’s about to hit turbo.
