The Detroit Red Wings finally look like they are ready to take that next step this season.
At the time of this writing, the Red Wings have a 14-11-3 record and are fourth in the Atlantic Division standings. However, the Red Wings also trail the Atlantic Division-leading Tampa Bay Lightning by only three points, so they are in a good spot right now.
With the way the Red Wings are playing, they are setting themselves up to be buyers this season. When noting that the Red Wings also have over $11 million of cap space, they are in a position to bring in multiple new players if they wish to.
One area that the Red Wings certainly could aim to improve is their forward depth. When looking at the trade candidates around the NHL right now, Vancouver Canucks forward Lukas Reichel is a young and interesting one. Due to this, he could be a solid player for the Red Wings to take a chance on for a low price.
With this, we here at Heavy Sports have a trade pitch that would have the Canucks send Reichel to the Red Wings.
Red Wings Get:
- Lukas Reichel
Canucks Get:
- 2026 Fifth-Round Pick
Canucks’ Lukas Reichel Is Back in the Rumor Mill
Back in late October, the Canucks acquired Reichel from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick. This was he was the subject of several trade rumors.
Now, after a little over a month with the Canucks, Reichel is right back to being a trade candidate.
During an appearance on Sportsnet 650’s Halford and Brough in the Morning back in late November, insider Rick Dhaliwal reported that the Canucks have made Reichel available for trade.
“With Höglander and Blueger not far away, a Lekkerimäki call-up not far away, Reichel is now available,” Dhaliwal said. “I heard last night that you can get Reichel out of Vancouver. I think they’re okay with trying to move him is what I was told last night.”
The Canucks being willing to move on from Reichel is understandable. He has struggled to find his fit with the Canucks, recording just one assist and a minus-5 rating in 14 games thus far. This was after he had two goals and four points in five games for Chicago before being traded to Vancouver.
Reichel Would Be Low-Risk Addition for Red Wings
If the Red Wings acquired Reichel, they would be adding a former top prospect to their forward group. While the 2020 first-round pick has yet to break out in the NHL, he still has the potential to change that at only 23 years old. Perhaps a move to the Red Wings could help him do just that.
When looking at the Red Wings’ roster, Reichel could slot nicely in their bottom six if acquired. This is especially so when noting that he offers good versatility, as he is capable of playing both center and on the wing. In addition, he would give the Red Wings another option to consider for their second power-play unit.
Ultimately, there would be no harm in the Red Wings taking a shot on a young forward like Reichel if he can be had for a low price.
Red Wings Trade Pitch Adds Young Canucks Forward