The New York Rangers and veteran center Vincent Trocheck seem headed for a divorce. The 32-year-old (who will be 33 when next season begins) had his name in trade rumors last season, and the noise has heated up again after news broke that Trocheck has switched agents.
The Pennsylvania native will now be represented by Pat Brisson, per TSN’s Darren Dreger. Players often switch agents when they want a change of scenery, and Brisson is one of the league’s most powerful people who will be able to get Trocheck the outcome he desires.
Trocheck is a solid top-six center with three years left on his contract, carrying a $5.625 million cap hit. He also has a 12-team no-trade list, which converts to a 10-team no-trade list on July 1. There will surely be several teams interested, and the tricky part for the Rangers will be getting a return they like from a destination that Trocheck is willing to go to.
If a trade does go down, the Rangers will surely get a strong return. Trocheck is on a reasonable contract, scored 53 points in 67 games last year, won a gold medal with Team USA in February, and plays in all situations. He’s a great player who will command a high price on the market. Here are three potential deals the Rangers might make.
Trade #1: Trocheck to the Minnesota Wild
Wild get: Vincent Trocheck
Rangers get: Riley Heidt, Charlie Stramel, 2027 first-round pick
The Minnesota Wild need centers, and it would be a shock if they weren’t aggressive in trading for one this summer. While players like Dylan Larkin and Robert Thomas will surely be on their radar, Trocheck offers a cheaper option who can still contribute at a high level.
Both Reily Heidt and Charlie Stramel are exciting forward prospects. Heidt was drafted in the second round of the 2023 draft and just wrapped up his first professional season, where he had 25 points in 71 AHL games. Stramel was a first-rounder in 2023 and has dominated the NCAA in recent seasons.
Getting both of those prospects, as well as a first-round pick that will likely be late, would be a strong haul for the Rangers and help their prospect pool look a lot better.
Trade #2: Trocheck to the Utah Mammoth
Mammoth get: Vincent Trocheck
Rangers get: Daniil But, 2027 first-round pick
The Rangers get Russian forward Daniil But and a first-round pick in this scenario. But the 12th overall selection in 2023 is 6-foot-5 and arrived in North America last year. He had 39 points in 42 AHL games with the Tucson Roadrunners, as well as seven points in 29 NHL games. That’s impressive production for a 21-year-old.
But could slide right into the Rangers’ lineup next season and would likely be an instant fan-favorite. With the addition of a first-round pick, this offer would be difficult for Chris Drury to turn down.
There’s a chance that the Mammoth — a Western Conference team — are on Trocheck’s no-trade list and if that’s the case, then this proposed deal is moot. However, the Mammoth are a team on the upswing and that could be very enticing to a player still looking for his first Stanley Cup.
Trade #3: Trocheck to the Bruins
Bruins get: Vincent Trocheck
Rangers get: Matthew Poitras, 2027 first-round pick, 2028 second-round pick
The Boston Bruins snuck into the playoffs this past season but could use more firepower in their top-six. Trocheck gives them another option down the middle as someone who can help in all situations.
In this proposed trade, the Rangers get two high-end picks. That 2027 first-round pick could be especially valuable as the Bruins are a candidate to fall down the standings next year. The 2028 second-rounder is an additional top-64 pick.
Matthew Poitras broke into the NHL as a 19-year-old. He earned a lot of well-deserved hype, but his development since hasn’t been linear, and he played just three NHL games this past season. There’s a lot to like about Poitras, even if he isn’t the highly-rated prospect he once was, and he would be a strong addition to the Rangers’ prospect pool.
For more on Vincent Trocheck and the Rangers, visit AMNY.com
