Canucks Land Lukas Reichel From Blackhawks in “Change of Scenery” Trade

The Vancouver Canucks and Chicago Blackhawks completed a trade on Friday, as Vancouver acquired forward Lukas Reichel in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick. The Canucks were rumored to be looking for a center, but picked up a winger in a deal meant to give a former first-round pick a fresh start.

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For Chicago, this marks the end of an experiment that never fully materialized. Once viewed as part of the team’s young core, Reichel showed flashes of high-end skill and speed but struggled to find consistency. It became clear he wasn’t going to get the opportunties he needed in Chicago, and he asked to be moved.

Pierre LeBrun reported: “Reichel had asked for a trade, looking for a better fit elsewhere. Reichel’s agent Allain Roy says things were not contentious. He credits Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson for how things were handled. Says they had been discussing it for a while.”

Reichel found himself slipping down the depth chart and with younger forwards like Oliver Moore and Nick Lardis pushing for NHL spots, Reichel became expendable.

For the Canucks, the move is a low-risk gamble with potential upside. Vancouver desperately needs help in the middle, but they could use assistance at forward too. Following injuries to Filip Chytil and Teddy Blueger the team is short-handed, but wasn’t willing to give up a top pick or high-end prospect in a trade. The cost here was marginal considering the potential upside. Reichel brings speed, creativity, and positional versatility — even if he’s more of a winger than a long-term center solution.

While it’s unlikely Reichel instantly transforms Vancouver’s lineup, it’s something. For Chicago, it’s a chance to clear space for its next wave of prospects.

Ultimately, everyone got what they wanted — a clean break for one player, and a new opportunity for another.

Next: Canucks Won’t Move Key Piece Amid Trade Search for Center