Avalanche take notice after huge failed Blackhawks trade leaks online

Earlier this offseason, the Oilers and Blackhawks came close to a deal that would have sent a struggling young player north.

James Connelly from House of Hockey writes that drafted 17th overall in 2020, Lukas Reichel has yet to cement himself as a top-tier NHL player despite several strong AHL seasons.

The German winger recently posted a career-high 22 points in 70 games, modest numbers for a former first-round pick, and many expected he might benefit from a fresh start with a new team this season.

Reichel remains with the Blackhawks, but his name has surfaced in trade rumours this year. In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, he revealed he was told he was headed to Edmonton.

For Reichel, Edmonton could be an ideal landing spot. The Oilers boast two of the world's best players in Connor McDavid and fellow countryman Leon Draisaitl, and there's a clear opening in their top-six forwards, with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman the only other locks in that group.

Reichel is expected to take on a larger role with Blackhawks this season, as the team still lacks a strong supporting cast around Connor Bedard.

Source:
House of Hockey
Failed Trade Between the Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks Leaks Publicly