This offseason, it’s likely that more NHL teams will be reaching out to the New York Rangers regarding their center, Vincent Trocheck. Chris Johnston, in an appearance on The Chris Johnston Show, discussed the potential interest in Trocheck.
Bob McKenzie noted that Minnesota had shown some interest in Trocheck at the trade deadline. He questioned which other teams might be looking for a player like Trocheck, highlighting his age (32), his performance last season (67 games, 53 points), and his continued value as a center.
Johnston agreed, stating that teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs have already made contact. He believes many “good teams” would see Trocheck as a valuable addition to their lineup due to his experience and proven track record. Trocheck’s accomplishments include winning an Olympic gold medal and being a strong performer in face-offs and as a penalty killer for Team USA.
Johnston elaborated that teams looking to win now, or in the Leafs’ case, to regain competitiveness for a playoff spot, would view Trocheck as a suitable option. He recalled that Trocheck was often ranked highly on trade boards throughout the season and was even scratched before the trade deadline, possibly for roster protection reasons.
The Rangers ultimately did not move Trocheck because they didn’t receive an offer that made financial sense for them. Johnston suggested that the team bet on increased interest from other clubs as the offseason progressed. However, acquiring Trocheck at this stage of his career will likely come at a significant cost.
Despite the potential price, Johnston emphasized that many teams could benefit from a player with Trocheck’s capabilities. He pointed out that the pool of interested teams might be broader now than at the trade deadline, when the focus was primarily on playoff contenders. Trocheck’s versatility and ability to fill various roles make him a functional and desirable asset.
McKenzie speculated that the Montreal Canadiens could also be a potential destination, given their need for depth at center. While their current center depth isn’t completely depleted, he sees it as an area they could still strengthen by adding a player like Trocheck to their middle six.
Johnston concurred, stating that Montreal clearly needs more good players. He acknowledged that while Trocheck might not be the most optimal use of their assets, he is undeniably a good player. He also noted that the Canadiens likely had a humbling experience in the Eastern Conference Final, realizing the gap between them and teams like the Hurricanes. Despite being a young team, they are expected to be aggressive in seeking improvements, similar to their approach at the trade deadline. Johnston anticipates they will revisit aggressive strategies before the draft, a pattern that Kent Hughes has followed in recent offseasons.
