Failed Trade Between the Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks Leaks Publicly

Since being drafted 17th overall in 2020, Lukas Reichel has yet to establish himself as a high-end NHLer despite multiple fantastic seasons in the AHL. The German winger is coming off a career-high 22 points in 70 games, not the most stellar numbers for a former top pick, and many believed he was due for a change of scenery come the new season.

However, Reichel is still with the Blackhawks, but it is evident that his name has popped up in trade rumors this year. In an interview with the Chicago Sun Times, Reichel revealed he was told he was being shipped to Edmonton.

For Reichel, the Oilers might be the perfect spot for him to land. They have two of the best players on the planet in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, a fellow German hockey player, as well as a hole in their top six that needs to be filled, as Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman are the only other guaranteed top-six forwards on Edmonton's roster.

Reichel has shown flashes at the NHL level, as in 2022-23, he scored 15 points in 23 NHL games, a pace a lot more like his draft position. It is expected that he will have a bigger role on the Blackhawks this year as they still lack a supporting core for Connor Bedard.