The New York Rangers are coming off a disappointing 4–1 defeat to the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 15. That loss dropped them to a 16-14-4 record, leaving them in seventh place in the Metropolitan Division.
Despite sitting near the bottom of the division, the Rangers are far from out of the race. They trail the fifth-place Pittsburgh Penguins and sixth-place New Jersey Devils by just one point, and they are only two points back of the fourth-place Philadelphia Flyers. The standings remain tight, and a small swing could quickly change their position.
There is still ample opportunity for New York to turn its season around and climb the standings. While the Rangers have played more games than the Flyers, Penguins, and Devils, a strong winning streak could easily push them back into the mix.
Because of that, the Rangers should be evaluating ways to strengthen their roster. Adding another skilled forward, particularly a winger, should be high on their list. One intriguing buy-low option on the trade market is Vancouver Canucks forward Lukas Reichel. Vancouver has made it clear they are open to moving him, and New York would be wise to explore the possibility.
Canucks Are Shopping Lukas Reichel After He Cleared Waivers
On Dec. 13, the Canucks placed Reichel on waivers shortly after trading star defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild in a blockbuster deal that brought back Zeev Buium, Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, and a 2026 first-round pick.
At the time, there was some expectation that Reichel might be claimed. Instead, he cleared waivers and was assigned to Vancouver’s AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks.
Even so, a fresh start elsewhere remains a strong possibility. NHL insider Rick Dhaliwal reported that Vancouver continues to shop the young forward and that a deal could still materialize.
“Canucks are trying to trade Reichel. There is a chance of a deal happening,” Dhaliwal posted on X.
Because Reichel cleared waivers, interested teams now have more flexibility. Any acquiring club could send him to the AHL without exposing him to waivers again, making a low-risk move more appealing for a team like the Rangers.
Reichel Would Give Rangers Former Top Prospect With Breakout Potential
If New York were to acquire Reichel, they would be adding a former top prospect who is still young enough to rediscover his upside. The 2020 first-round pick has yet to fully establish himself at the NHL level, but a change of scenery could make a difference, especially for a Rangers team searching for help on the wing.
Reichel has struggled offensively this season in Vancouver, recording no goals and one assist in 14 games. However, he flashed promise earlier in the year with the Chicago Blackhawks before being dealt, posting two goals and four points in five games. He also produced seven goals and 15 points in 23 games during the 2022–23 season with Chicago.
A third-line role in New York could provide Reichel with the opportunity and stability he needs to finally break through.