With the NHL currently on its Olympic break, the league is catching its breath-but make no mistake, the calm won’t last. Once play resumes, the trade deadline rush is expected to hit full throttle.
Teams are gearing up for the final stretch, and the Boston Bruins, who made a splash at last year’s deadline, are once again a team to watch. While it’s still unclear how GM Don Sweeney will approach this year’s market, the landscape around him is already shifting.
The Los Angeles Kings wasted no time kicking off trade season, swinging a major deal by acquiring Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers before the break. That move signaled two things: the Kings are going all-in, and the Rangers are pivoting toward a retool. With the deadline set for March 6, expect New York to be one of the more active sellers in the coming weeks.
One name generating buzz? Vincent Trocheck. The veteran center is drawing interest from multiple contenders, and one potential destination could have serious implications for the Bruins: the Montreal Canadiens.
Trocheck to Montreal? That Could Shift the Atlantic
The Canadiens are right in the thick of the playoff race, tied with the Red Wings for second place in the Atlantic Division at 72 points. They’ve been one of the league’s more balanced teams this season, but there’s a clear need down the middle-specifically at the second-line center spot. That’s where Trocheck comes in.
According to James Mirtle of The Athletic, Montreal could be a strong suitor for Trocheck at the deadline. And it makes sense.
Even at 32, Trocheck remains a versatile, high-IQ forward who can slot into just about any role. He’s not the biggest guy on the ice, but he plays with an edge, can drive play, and contributes in all situations-5-on-5, power play, penalty kill.
He’s the kind of player who can ease the burden on Nick Suzuki, take on tough matchups, and still chip in offensively.
What makes him even more appealing is his contract. Trocheck isn’t a rental-he’s signed beyond this season at a manageable cap hit.
For a Canadiens team trying to blend a playoff push with a youth movement, that kind of term provides stability. He could serve as a mentor for young talent like Ivan Demidov while giving the Habs a legitimate second-line center for the stretch run.
A Move That Could Sting in Boston
From a Bruins perspective, Trocheck landing in Montreal would be less than ideal. Not only would it strengthen a direct division rival, but it would also add another layer of depth to a team Boston may have to face in the postseason.
Trocheck has long been a thorn in the side of the Bruins, dating back to his days with Florida. His ability to frustrate top lines, win key faceoffs, and produce in tight games makes him the kind of playoff performer every contender covets.
Of course, there’s the matter of Trocheck’s limited no-trade clause. But with the Rangers clearly shifting gears and the Canadiens trending upward, the idea of joining a team with postseason potential could be appealing for a 32-year-old veteran still chasing a deep playoff run.
What Comes Next
The trade deadline always brings surprises, but the groundwork is being laid now. With Montreal in the mix, the Rangers looking to sell, and Trocheck’s name heating up, this is one storyline worth watching closely. If the Canadiens do pull the trigger, it could be one of the more impactful moves of the deadline-and one that might force teams like Boston to respond.
The Olympic break may have paused the action on the ice, but behind the scenes, the chess pieces are already moving. And once the puck drops again, we’re in for a wild ride to March 6.