The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly considering trading forward Lukas Reichel after acquiring him less than a month ago. This comes after Reichel has struggled to make an impact, recording only one point in 13 games and recently being a healthy scratch.
Vancouver acquired the 23-year-old Reichel from the Chicago Blackhawks on October 24, 2025, in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick. The Canucks hoped he could strengthen their depth at center, especially on the second line. However, his offensive production never materialized, and his ice time steadily declined. In his last six games, Reichel did not record a single shot on goal.
According to Rick Dhaliwal, an insider, the Canucks are now open to moving Reichel. Dhaliwal emphasized Reichel's struggles and the team's changing roster dynamics. The Canucks believed acquiring Reichel was a manageable gamble, but it quickly turned into a misfit.
Several factors contribute to the Canucks' willingness to move on from Reichel so quickly. Injured forwards Nils Höglander and Teddy Blueger are nearing their returns, creating roster pressure. Top prospect Jonathan Lekkerimäki is also pushing for NHL minutes. These developments tighten the window for Reichel to secure a long-term place in the lineup. The recent signing of David Kampf on November 14th further complicates Reichel's situation.
Before joining Vancouver, Reichel had a decent start to the 2025-26 season with the Blackhawks, scoring four points in five games. Selected 17th overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Reichel's scouting report indicated offensive potential but raised concerns about his defensive abilities.
If the Canucks trade Reichel, they likely won't receive the same value they gave up to acquire him. However, keeping him on the roster means risking losing him for nothing on waivers if he doesn't improve.
The Canucks have made other roster moves recently, including assigning Victor Mancini to the Abbotsford Canucks on November 16th and Noah Kane signing with the Kalamazoo Wings. These moves reflect the ongoing adjustments within the Canucks organization as they strive for improved performance and stability.
