The Vancouver Canucks have acquired forward Lukas Reichel from the Chicago Blackhawks in a move aimed at adding speed and depth to their lineup. At 23 years old and with a $1.2 million cap hit, Reichel brings potential as a change-of-scenery player. He is projected to center the second line against the Edmonton Oilers on October 26, 2025.
Lukas Reichel, a first-round pick by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2020 NHL Draft, has joined the Vancouver Canucks after struggling to secure a consistent role in Chicago. The 23-year-old forward arrived with a reputation for skill but inconsistency, having bounced between the NHL and the American Hockey League's Rockford IceHogs. Prior to the trade, Reichel recorded four points in five games with the Blackhawks this season, showcasing his speed and creative playmaking.
The Canucks, sitting at 4-5-0 after a 4-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on October 25, see Reichel as a low-risk option to address needs at center. Injuries to Filip Chytil (concussion protocol) and Teddy Blueger (lower body) have created opportunities down the middle. Reichel, who has primarily played on the wing in the NHL, will test his skills at center, paired with Evander Kane and Brock Boeser on the projected second line for the October 26 matchup against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Arena.
Reichel's career faceoff percentage hovers around 40 percent, an area for improvement, but his quickness could enhance Vancouver's transition game. The team values his ability to make reads and generate rush chances, fitting coach Adam Foote's emphasis on responsible two-way play. At $1.2 million, Reichel offers bargain potential, with projections of 35 to 40 points if he adapts well.
In Chicago, Reichel faced pressure as part of the rebuild, but Vancouver's established core—including Quinn Hughes, Elias Pettersson, and Thatcher Demko—allows him to focus on competing and developing consistency. Thatcher Demko is expected to start in net for the Canucks against the Oilers.