Credit: Sportsnet
VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Canucks made their first major roster call after the Quinn Hughes blockbuster — and Lukas Reichel is the casualty. Vancouver placed the 23-year-old forward on waivers as it works back under the NHL’s 23-man limit following the huge deal with the Minnesota Wild. Reichel arrived from Chicago in late October with upside, but managed just one assist in 14 games. Now his next 24 hours decide everything: claimed, or Abbotsford.
Why the Canucks Made the Move
Vancouver’s decision is rooted in simple math. After trading Quinn Hughes to Minnesota, the Canucks added multiple roster pieces and briefly sat above the league’s maximum 23-man active roster. The club responded by placing Reichel on waivers and designating him as non-roster waiver status, a move first reported by major Canadian and hockey outlets including Sportsnet.
Reichel’s Short Run in Vancouver
Reichel was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks in late October, but struggled to find consistent production in a limited window. In 14 games with Vancouver, he recorded one assist and carried a minus-5 rating while averaging 13:06 of ice time per night, according to reporting from The Hockey News.
The German forward is in the final year of a two-year, $2.4 million contract, with a $1.2 million cap hit. If he clears waivers, he’s expected to be assigned to the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks. Reichel last played AHL games in 2023–24 with Rockford (Chicago’s affiliate), and has historically produced well at that level.
What Happens Next
Waivers now decide Reichel’s immediate future. If another NHL club claims him, he leaves Vancouver entirely. If he goes unclaimed during the waiver window, the Canucks can send him down to Abbotsford, keeping him as organizational depth while reshaping the roster in the post-Hughes era.
Read also: Minnesota Wild Land Quinn Hughes in One of the Biggest Trades of the Decade
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