On Saturday, the Canucks announced that they had placed Centre Lukas Reichel on waivers. Reichel was just acquired by the team in October from the Chicago Blackhawks.
Since arriving in Vancouver, Reichel has mostly been a non-factor on the ice. In 14 games, he recorded just one assist and was a minus-five playing 13:06 minutes a night.
What does this mean for the team and player?
The Canucks received three players (plus a first-round draft pick) in return for Hughes. As a result, the team was forced to clear roster space to make room for the new acquisitions.
General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that F Lukas Reichel has been placed on waivers and designated non-roster waiver status.
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) December 13, 2025
GM Patrik Allvin announced the move on Saturday. On Sunday, it was announced that Reichel cleared waivers and would be eligible for assignment to the team’s AHL affiliate in Abbotsford. Some NHL insiders were surprised that Reichel cleared waivers without another team claiming him.
That may not be the endgame for Vancouver regarding the young forward. Shortly after clearing waivers, insider Rick Dhaliwal reported that the team is trying to find a trade partner for him.
Lukas Reichel will be reporting to Abbotsford until a trade happens.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) December 15, 2025
Reichel's agent Alain Roy has permission from the Canucks to help facilitate a trade.#Canucks
What’s next?
The immediate future does not look bright for Reichel. Being shopped on the trade market twice in two months is not a promising sign for the young German. It also doesn’t look great on Vancouver’s front office. The team gave up a fourth-round pick to bring him in. Though a fourth-rounder isn’t a premium pick, the Canucks would likely look to recoup something for him.
On the other hand, Reichel is just 23 years old. While in Vancouver, he was moved to the wing because of his subpar two-way game, an essential part of effective Centre play. The Canucks saw potential in him and took a chance that a change in scenery might unlock something.
He is also a first-round draft pick, going 17th to the Blackhawks in 2020. Though he has had five years to develop since then, at just 23, it would be premature to shut the door on his NHL future entirely.
Maybe some extended time in the AHL–whether in Abbotsford or elsewhere–could be a positive for Reichel. If the Canucks can’t find a suitor, then maybe he can get another look in the future for Vancouver. Especially if the team launches into a complete rebuild as expected.