New York Rangers standout Vincent Trocheck may have subtly revealed where he could be headed next. After the recent Artemi Panarin transaction, the veteran center is widely viewed as the most valuable player expected to be dealt before the trade deadline. General manager Chris Drury has signaled that the Rangers are entering a retooling phase, with multiple core players now on the trade block.
Despite having three years left on his contract, New York is open to fielding offers for Trocheck. The experienced forward carries a manageable $5.6 million cap hit and is protected by only a limited 12-team no-trade clause. With favorable contract terms and strong on-ice value, the Rangers are positioned to secure a significant return should they decide to move him.
Reports have surfaced indicating that New York is seeking a first-round draft pick along with young talent in exchange for Trocheck. The Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings, and Carolina Hurricanes have all been connected to the center in recent days, and each organization has the assets necessary to meet the Rangers’ asking price. That said, Minnesota has reportedly pulled ahead of the pack as the leading contender to land the veteran forward.
Vincent Trocheck’s Time With the New York Rangers is Likely Coming to an end
In addition to those three players, several members of the Wild organization are also part of Team USA’s Olympic staff. Assistant coach John Hynes, athletic trainers John Worley and Travis Green, and team physician Dr. Joel Boyd are all serving under Minnesota general manager Bill Guerin during the Games.
Guerin, in particular, would play a central role in any effort to bring Trocheck to Minnesota. The Wild executive has recently acknowledged that he is targeting the same type of player the Rangers center represents. Speaking on The Fellowship of the Rink podcast, as cited by The Athletic, Guerin said he would like to add a forward if the right opportunity presents itself, noting that bringing in a center has long been a priority for the organization.
On paper, Trocheck appears to be an ideal trade target for the Wild. However, a major hurdle could complicate a potential deal. Reports indicate that the veteran prefers to stay in the Eastern Conference, which could weaken Minnesota’s chances as a Western Conference team. Still, Trocheck’s leverage is more limited than Panarin’s was, as Panarin was able to dictate his destination when he chose to land with the Los Angeles Kings.
Rangers Hoping for Best Possible Trade Return
Regardless of the outcome, the Rangers are focused on extracting maximum value in any Trocheck trade. Unlike the Panarin deal, New York holds considerable leverage in negotiations involving the center, putting the team in a strong position to come close to its desired return.
If Minnesota ultimately presents the most attractive offer, Trocheck is likely to end up with the Wild. While he does possess a 12-team no-trade clause, his lighthearted Olympic moment could suggest that Minnesota is not among the restricted destinations. For now, any potential move remains on hold, as the NHL roster freeze prevents trades from being finalized until February 23.
