Lukas Reichel Breaks Silence on Edmonton Trade Talk That Never Happened
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A Summer Filled With Unexpected Rumors
Chicago Blackhawks forward Lukas Reichel spent the off-season surrounded by whispers he might be shipped to the Edmonton Oilers.
Lukas Reichel
The 23-year-old first-round pick admitted that even friends and casual hockey fans back home in Germany approached him saying, “You’re going to Edmonton.” But when training camp rolled around, no trade ever took place—and Reichel is still wearing a Blackhawks sweater.
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Why Edmonton Was Reshuffling the Deck
Edmonton general manager Stan Bowman spent the summer under intense salary-cap pressure. With Evan Bouchard needing a new deal and Leon Draisaitl’s big contract set to kick in, Bowman moved out expensive pieces and let several players walk.
Lukas Reichel
He also added fresh faces, including top prospect Ike Howard and depth challengers Quinn Hutson, David Tomasek, and Josh Samanski, to keep the Oilers competitive while staying under the cap ceiling.
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A Familiar Face for Bowman?
Bowman once ran the Blackhawks’ draft room when Reichel was selected 17th overall in 2020, so it wasn’t far-fetched that he might try to reacquire a player he once believed in. Executives often circle back to prospects they know well, making the rumor mill even hotter as the summer progressed.
Lukas Reichel
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From AHL Star to NHL Growing Pains
Reichel stormed onto the North American scene in 2021-22, scoring 57 points in 56 AHL games for Rockford. The next year, he added 51 points in 55 games while chipping in 15 NHL points in 23 appearances. But since then, his production at the NHL level has cooled—just 13 goals and 25 assists over 135 games, with career-low ice time of under 12 minutes a night last season.
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Lukas Reichel
International Stage Remains His Comfort Zone
Even as his NHL numbers have dipped, Reichel has shined for Team Germany at the Men’s World Championship, standing out as a key performer for four straight years and proving he can still elevate his game on big stages.
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Lukas Reichel
A Fresh Start Under a New Bench Boss
The Blackhawks recently hired Jeff Blashill as head coach, giving Reichel a clean slate. Whether he finally clicks under new leadership or ultimately needs a change of scenery, insiders believe Edmonton could come calling again if Chicago ever makes him available.
