The Edmonton Oilers are caught in the middle of the latest round of NHL trade speculation. With the regular season approaching and roster spots still being evaluated, the team is once again linked to a potential move that could add depth up front.
Which Blackhawks Player Is Linked to the Oilers?
One of the names reportedly tied to Edmonton is Chicago Blackhawks forward Lukas Reichel. The 23-year-old winger was drafted 17th overall in 2020 but has yet to fully establish himself in the NHL.
Chicago has been fielding calls on him, and according to The Fourth Period, the organization is open to exploring offers. The Blackhawks are in the middle of a rebuild centered around Connor Bedard and recently re-signed Frank Nazar, which has left Reichel’s long-term role in question.
There’s a natural connection for the Oilers as general manager Stan Bowman selected Reichel during his final summer in Chicago, and Leon Draisaitl’s presence in Edmonton could make the transition smoother for a fellow German forward.
“I have beaten this drum before but I still see Oiler GM Stan Bowman interested in Hawks Lukas Reichel. For sure Reichel has spun his wheels in Chicago but Bowman drafted forward in first round in 2020. Plus having Draisaitl to help with his German countryman might work,” Jim Matheson posted.
Edmonton’s roster turnover this offseason adds another layer. Veterans like Corey Perry are no longer with the team, creating openings that a younger forward could potentially fill.
Reichel’s numbers so far have been modest. Last season, he appeared in 70 games and recorded 22 points. Despite occasional flashes of creativity, he was moved around the lineup and at times struggled to stay consistent.
On 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggested both the player and the Blackhawks may see a fresh start as the best option.
Reichel himself has addressed the rumors. Over the summer, he revealed that friends in Germany told him he was headed to Edmonton, something that never happened but still left an impression.
Instead of letting the talk weigh on him, he said it gave him added motivation heading into camp. Targeting a player like Reichel fits into Oilers’ broader strategy. Bowman has already made several moves to keep the team under the salary cap while ensuring space for long-term contracts.
The priority remains locking up star players, with Connor McDavid’s situation still drawing headlines. Taking a chance on Reichel would come with relatively low risk as he’s on a manageable deal, still young, and could benefit from playing alongside elite talent.
If he adapts, the Oilers gain another skilled forward without sacrificing much. If not, the cost of acquiring him likely won’t derail the team’s plans.
Chicago, on the other hand, may be ready to move on. With Bedard, Nazar, and top prospect Anton Frondell shaping the future core, Reichel’s path is crowded. Packaging him in a deal for more immediate help would align with their short-term needs.
