Back in October, the Vancouver Canucks rolled the dice for Lukas Reichel from Chicago. They were banged up, needed bodies, and Patrik Allvin was interested in him. He’d watched the kid play in Berlin during his draft year, loved the compete level and the way he moved, thought maybe this was the one who’d finally click in the NHL. Young, cheap, some skill, still had room to grow. On paper, it looked like a smart grab.
Reichel Didn’t Pan Out in Vancouver
It didn’t work out well. Reichel cleared waivers a couple of months later and landed in Abbotsford. He’s been better down in the AHL, but not enough to force his way back up consistently. Then came the Olympics. He headed over to play for Germany and had a good showing — three points in five games, helped push them to the quarters until Slovakia took them out. Nothing game-changing, but he was engaged, useful, and held his own. Just a steady, reliable stretch.
Rick Dhaliwal was on Donnie & Dhali, saying if the Canucks can flip Reichel before March 6, they should be able to snag a mid-round or late-round pick for him. It’s not some blockbuster haul, but it’s better than nothing. A late pick’s still a pick, and right now that’s probably the realistic ceiling. It’s especially helpful that his qualifying offer is only $1.3 million this summer.
If Allvin doesn’t see a long-term fit (and the track record so far says maybe not), letting him walk for nothing would sting more than flipping him for a late-rounder.
Reichel Might Still Become a Decent NHL Player
It’s the kind of low-key deadline move that doesn’t make headlines but makes sense: Reichel hasn’t exactly torn up the NHL yet, but he’s only 23, still has some skill and speed, and he showed he can hang internationally. A team seeking cheap depth—maybe a contender needing a bottom-six winger with upside—might bite. The Canucks aren’t getting robbed if they grab a pick and move him; they’re just playing it smart.
From a fan perspective, it’s a bit of a bummer. If you’re like me, you always hope the reclamation project clicks. But the business of hockey is also realistic. The Olympics gave Reichel a little spotlight, and if that bumps his trade value even a bit, Vancouver should probably take the call. A mid-round pick isn’t a huge return, but any pick helps. It also clears space for whatever else Allvin might chase before the deadline.
The Canucks Are Building for the Future
The Canucks are in a weird spot because everything points to next season and giving space for the prospects. These kinds of moves keep things moving forward without breaking the bank. Reichel didn’t pan out here, but he might for someone else. If a deal happens, it’ll probably be quiet, quick, and smart.
Related: Kulak, Toews, Kadri: NHL Trade Talk Roundup – Feb. 24, 2026
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