Scout’s Analysis: What Lukas Reichel brings to the Canucks

The Canucks started the season without the services of centre Teddy Blueger, but once he returned to the lineup Vancouver seemed relatively solid down the middle of the ice with Elias Pettersson, Filip Chytil, Blueger and either Max Sasson or Aatu Raty.

Unfortunately for the Canucks, they canâ€t seem to escape the injury bug. Bluegerâ€s return to the lineup lasted only two games and Chytil is on the shelf with what appears to be a likely concussion after absorbing a massive hit from Washingtonâ€s Tom Wilson. Other players in sick bay include Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Nils Hoglander and Derek Forbort. Itâ€s hard to believe, but things might have just gone from bad to worse with captain Quinn Hughes suffering a lower body injury on the weekend and missing the game Sunday night versus the Edmonton Oilers.

With injuries adding up Vancouver acquired forward Lukas Reichel from the Chicago Blackhawks last Friday. The fact it only cost Vancouver a 2027 fourth-round pick might be surprising — or alarming — considering Reichel was drafted in the first round (17th overall) by Chicago in 2020. But the reality is that things weren’t working out for him there and he needed a change of scenery.

The much-needed new start will come in Vancouver and, after two games in his new uniform, here’s a look at what Reichel can potentially provide the Canucks.

Reichelâ€s pro career has produced high end impact at the AHL level (42G-74A in 121GP) but inconsistent results at the NHL level (22G-36A in 176GP)

Having said that, I was confident enough in his upside to provide the following report in the fall of 2023 after a game between Chicago and Boston:

“Reichel is a skilled forward who is averaging just over 14 minutes of ice time per game to start the season with the Hawks. All of his shifts come at even strength and the power play. Heâ€s playing quick and fast and is a threat with the puck on his stick in transition. His speed backs opponents off their blue line and allows for generally clean offensive zone entries for his group. Leans shooter more than distributor and has to take better advantage of open lanes to the net instead of directing pucks on goal from the perimeter. His defensive detail ranges, not because he doesnâ€t arrive on time, but more due to lack of awareness/responsibility to lock onto his man. At the end of the day his offensive upside wins out. Reichel could end up as a middle-six option for Chicago as he matures.â€

• Reichel isnâ€t going to overwhelm opponents with his physical play (he’s 6-foot, 170 pounds) but his speed allows him to arrive in all three zones on time and usually ahead of schedule. Heâ€s rated in the 96th percentile when it comes to max skating speed (23.04 mph) according to NHL EDGE.

• Although Reichelâ€s detail in terms of engaging properly in the defensive zone ranges at times, Iâ€ve noticed improved awareness recently with some of his defensive sequences resulting in zone exits that lead to scoring chances for his group.

Hereâ€s an example of what Iâ€ve noticed more often from Reichel in the defensive zone:

Reichel suited up for the Canucks on very short rest after being traded from Chicago. I thought his energy and overall engagement was generally sound for his first game in Vancouver on Saturday night and he carried it over with a consistent effort Sunday night versus the Oilers.

Hereâ€s an example of Reichel executing responsibly on and off the puck in his Canucks debut against the Montreal Canadiens this past Saturday. He extends the play on the half-wall and makes sure he is above the Canucks’ pinching defenceman for support. He’s in solid position in the neutral zone to regroup for another potential offensive zone entry:

What the Canucks need from Reichel

First and foremost, they need Reichel to evolve offensively. He is capable of generating more scoring chances with his speed and skill. Iâ€m of the belief that Reichel had lost his confidence in Chicago. His shot volume, and overall scoring chances, reflect a skill forward who isnâ€t using his attributes to the best of his ability.

Hereâ€s a look at how many shots on goal Reichel has generated so far this season. Heâ€s clearly more comfortable directing plays to the net from his strong side, but Iâ€m hoping he’ll become more aggressive driving to the middle of the ice with the Canucks.

(Note: These statistics are provided by NHL EDGE)

The Canucks only have one centreman with a face-off wining percentage above 50 (Raty). Elias Pettersson has taken the most draws of any Vancouver centre, but heâ€s only winning around 42 per cent of his draws. If the team expects Reichel to play centre long-term he will need to improve in the face-off circle, especially on his weak side. Hereâ€s a look at Reichelâ€s success rate taking face-offs so far this season:

Some positives came out of the Sunday versus Edmonton in terms of Reichelâ€s overall game. He was deployed for a season-high 16:33 and rewarded the Canucks with much better results in the face-off circle.

There are players scattered throughout the NHL who, for whatever reason, didnâ€t find success with the team that drafted them. Sometimes the fit simply isnâ€t there and the surroundings donâ€t agree with the prospect.

I believe Reichel can provide more offence than he has shown so far in his NHL career. While with Chicago, there were several times when he was deployed less than 10 minutes per game and his confidence had to have taken a hit in the process. It appears as though Vancouver is willing to give him a chance to develop into the player many teams, not just the Hawks, thought he could become when he was drafted 17th overall in 2020.

The Vancouver Canucks didnâ€t have to invest much to acquire 23-year-old Reichel from Chicago. He became a diminishing asset, but he now has a chance to reset his young career and the Canucks are a team desperate for more impact from Reichel as they work through the injuries that have impacted the group to start the season.

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