A failed trade between the Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks leak: Player breaks his silence

Lukas Reichel has become the subject of swirling trade rumors, and the young Chicago Blackhawks forward finally decided to address them.

The 23-year-old German winger revealed in a recent interview that he was told he was going to get traded in the offseason.

In the summer, General Manager Kyle Davidson focused less on outside acquisitions and more on securing his young core, including the extension of Frank Nazar's contract, while also adding another top center in Anton Frondell through the draft. That left Reichel's long-term place in the lineup uncertain.

In his own words, the winger recalled how the talk reached him overseas:

Rather than let the chatter weigh him down, Reichel sees it as a source of motivation heading into the season:

Since making his NHL debut in 2021, consistency has been hard to come by for Reichel. Competition for roster spots is only getting tougher, with Nazar locked up long-term, Connor Bedard expected to receive his own extension soon, and top prospect Frondell set to arrive next year.

Still, centers remain in high demand across the league, and Reichel could draw interest if the Hawks choose to move him. For now, however, his focus is squarely on proving he belongs.

Last season, he played 70 games, recording 22 points and scoring eight goals. With more confidence and experience, Reichel could deliver a breakout campaign. If he does, Davidson will face a decision: capitalize on his trade value or reward him with a new contract.

His ties with fellow countryman Leon Draisaitl make the Oilers an obvious fit for the player. However, Edmonton made several acquisitions in the forward group over the summer, and seeing the team going after another forward would be surprising.