Multiple insiders link Oilers to another trade with Blackhawks, expected price revealed

Some rumours emerged earlier this week that Blackhawks forward Lukas Reichel was placed on the trade block, a player the Oilers had previously had interest in. Now, the trade noise to Edmonton is picking up.

Oilers insider Jim Matheson has reported Edmonton is engaged in discussions with the Blackhawks on Reichel, a former draft pick of GM Stan Bowman.

Now 23 years old, Reichel was drafted 17th overall by the Blackhawks in 2020. He's played 169 career games with the Hawks, but has never been able to establish his place in the lineup as an infective offensive player. Many believe he just needs a fresh start.

Oilers insider Mark Spector confirmed the team's interest in Reichel, and added that it's a comparable trade situation to Podkolzin.

The Oilers acquired Podkolzin from the Canucks last year for just a 4th round draft pick. There's Blackhawks would likely be asking for a similar trade for Reichel.

There's some risk in taking on Reichel as a scuffling young player with a $1.2M contract, but the Oilers have been aggressively pursuing young talent in all areas lately.

Beyond that, it's hard to imagine where he'd fit in the Oilers lineup this season. There's potential for a longer term fit, but this year would be difficult.

We'll see if Stan Bowman truly believes in his former draft pick, and takes the risk to pick him up again before rosters are officially set.