Canucks acquire Reichel from Blackhawks for 4th-round pick

The Vancouver Canucks acquired forward Lukas Reichel from the Chicago Blackhawks for a 2027 fourth-round pick, the teams announced Friday.

Reichel has two goals and four points in five games this season but has been a healthy scratch three times. He tallied two goals and three points on Oct. 15 versus the St. Louis Blues. Reichel has played under 11 minutes in four of his five appearances to start the campaign.

The 23-year-old had requested a trade in search of a better fit, reports TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

Reichel notched a career-best eight goals and 22 points in 70 contests last campaign. He has primarily featured on the wing recently after struggling with a 40.5% career faceoff win percentage.

"Lukas is an exciting young player and someone we feel can help improve our forward group," Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said. "He's a talented playmaker who can create scoring opportunities with his offensive ability. We like the way he moves on the ice and his overall work ethic and feel our coaching staff can help him become a better and more consistent hockey player."

Reichel is signed through this season at a $1.2-million cap hit and is set to be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer.

The Canucks are in need of help up front with injuries to Filip Chytil, Teddy Blueger, Nils Hoglander, and Jonathan Lekkerimaki. Vancouver's depth chart currently features Elias Pettersson, Max Sasson, Aatu Raty, and Nils Aman down the middle.

Chicago drafted Reichel 17th overall in 2020. He's flashed exciting offensive upside with 42 goals and 116 points in 121 career AHL contests but has yet to realize that potential in the NHL. Reichel has 22 goals and 58 points in 174 NHL games and is a minus-60 over parts of six seasons.

Reichel was one of six players named to Germany's preliminary Olympic roster in June.