The Chicago Blackhawks traded Lukas Reichel to the Vancouver Canucks for a 2027 fourth-round pick in a move that many fans saw coming. While Reichel's play improved in the early stages of 2025-26, it was becoming apparent that he was no longer in the Blackhawks' long-term plans.
He averaged just 9:52 of average total ice time, despite the four points and two goals he put up in the first five games that he saw action. One of the reasons for his diminished role came thanks to his lack of production since arriving in Chicago.
Reichel never put up more than eight goals and 22 points in a single season, while youngsters like Frank Nazar and veteran role players like Ryan Donato performed well enough to pass him up in the lineup. So, it almost became a foregone conclusion that a change of scenery was necessary for Reichel, where he could potentially resurrect his career.
The Vancouver Canucks made a low-risk, high-reward trade
While Lukas Reichel may have fallen short of expectations in Chicago, it doesn't mean he's a bad player. Just last year, the Canucks watched their cross-border rival, the Seattle Kraken, trade for Kaapo Kakko, a former second-overall pick who underachieved with the New York Rangers.
Kakko put up 30 points in 49 games with the Kraken, and his long-term future could wind up in Seattle. So, it more than makes sense to take a chance on a player like Reichel, especially if it only costs your team a fourth-round pick two years down the road.
At that point, Reichel could be putting up middle or even top-six minutes if he proves to be a good fit in British Columbia. And if he's not, then this trade isn't much of a gamble, and the Canucks lost nothing more than a late-round pick.
Want more reassurance that Reichel could be a game-changer in Vancouver? Rank him against those playing for the Canucks right now, and he would be tied for third on the team in points, while seeing much less ice time. That's a positive sign if you're a Canucks fan, so feel free to be more than excited for Reichel's arrival in Vancouver.
He was worth taking a flier on, especially when you factor in recent performances. He also brings some momentum over, having been part of a Blackhawks team that finally looks like it's turning a corner. Overall, at least in foresight, Patrik Allvin deserves a high grade for this trade.