Mathew Dumba clears waivers as Lukas Reichel becomes an intriguing option for the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Although the Maple Leafs missed out on Mathew Dumba, they could spring for another waiver claim as Vancouver placed Lukas Reichel on the wire Saturday.
When Mathew Dumba was placed on waivers Friday afternoon, it sounded like a perfect opportunity for the Toronto Maple Leafs to bring him aboard considering they need some insurance on the back end, and his handedness would offer Toronto some more balance in the lineup.
But on Saturday, it was reported by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman that Dumba has cleared waivers, so while Toronto missed out; they can still spring for another player if they so choose.
Dumba clears waivers, Reichel added on Saturday
Friedman reported in addition to Dumba clearing that the Vancouver Canucks had placed forward Lukas Reichel on waivers in order to make room for all the new faces coming over in the blockbuster Quinn Hughes trade.
Reichel, 23, was acquired earlier in the season by the Canucks for a fourth-round draft pick in 2027, however failed to acclimate himself into the lineup under Adam Foote and hasn't played since Nov. 28th.
He's appeared in 14 games for the Canucks this year, registering one point, a minus-five, and four PIM in 13:06 TOI.
Drafted 17th overall by the Blackhawks in 2020, he made his debut with the team during the 2021-22 season, and for his career has 59 points in 188 games with Chicago and Vancouver.
Why the Maple Leafs should entertain a Lukas Reichel waiver claim
While he seems like a bit of an odd pickup given he hasn't picked things up, the Maple Leafs are a team who need more youth, and frankly, more bodies in general.
Even if Reichel were to play with the Marlies for a stint, he would be a star given every chance to contribute, and with their injuries as well; could certainly find his footing.
His AHL success just has never translated to the NHL level, but he can still be a key asset and getting him off waivers for free is a huge benefit to the Leafs; a team without many assets to work with.
Plus at only 23, he's got a few more years before he reaches his prime, and if he can find consistency and chemistry now with Toronto, it should help his progress down the line into at least a reliable everyday player.
If the Maple Leafs want to make sure they have enough bodies to weather the injury bug they are currently dealing it, then adding Reichel to the fold is a logical choice for Brad Treliving.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 13 | 1062 ANSWERS Mathew Dumba clears waivers as Lukas Reichel becomes an intriguing option for the Maple Leafs Should Toronto claim Lukas Reichel off waivers? | ||
| Yes | 583 | 54.9 % |
| No | 479 | 45.1 % |
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