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Former 17th overall pick hits waivers, and he's a great fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs


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Alexander Cole
December 13, 2025  (2:42 PM)
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Nov 28, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Vancouver Canucks left winger Lukas Reichel (73) controls the puck against the San Jose Sharks in the first period at SAP Center at San Jose.
Photo credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in need of some talent on the wing, and the Vancouver Canucks have just given them a gift with a recent addition to the waiver wire.

Earlier this season, the Toronto Maple Leafs were looking to make a deal with the Chicago Blackhawks for left-winger Lukas Reichel.
Reichel ended up going to the Vancouver Canucks, and for the most part, this partnership has been a complete and utter flop for both sides.
In five games with the Blackhawks, Reichel had four points. In 14 games with the Canucks, he had just one point and was looking pretty miserable.
Today, it was announced by the Canucks organization that Reichel would be going on waivers. Now, any team can go out and claim him.
There have been some questions about who will take the plunge and the risk on Reichel, who is a former 17th overall pick who has yet to demonstrate his true potential.

Why Lukas Reichel fits with the Toronto Maple Leafs

Reichel is a good fit for the Maple Leafs because, as it stands, they need some young talent on the left wing. Matias Maccelli keeps getting scratched, and there is this sense that he will be traded.
If the Leafs were to trade Maccelli, then there would be an argument to be made that Reichel should get some playing time over Steven Lorentz.
Lorentz has been particularly compelling this season and isn't giving the Leafs what he gave them last season. Reichel would be an offensive fit who could make the fourth line more dynamic.
The Leafs have also been extremely injury-prone this season, and Reichel could certainly help this team with stability during this difficult time.
Of course, there is no telling whether or not the Leafs make the plunge here. But there is an argument to be made that Reichel would be a solid addition.
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DECEMBRE 13   |   390 ANSWERS
Former 17th overall pick hits waivers, and he's a great fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs

Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs should acquire Lukas Reichel?

YES19550 %
NO19550 %
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