As soon as Team USA clinched their gold medal, the NHL trade buzz kicked into high gear. With the Olympic trade freeze lifted, teams have until March 6 to make their moves, and the Minnesota Wild are in the spotlight.
General Manager Bill Guerin, fresh off his Olympic success, is now focused on strengthening his NHL squad. The Wild are on the hunt for a top-six center, a crucial piece that could relieve rookie Danila Yurov from carrying too much offensive burden.
Enter Vincent Trocheck, the New York Rangers and Team USA center. The Wild are reportedly leading the race to acquire the 32-year-old.
Trocheck's fit with the team has been a topic of discussion, and while it would be a long-term commitment, it could be a smart move. His contract runs through the 2028-29 season, and even if his production dips from his current 60-point pace, his $5.65 million cap hit remains manageable.
This potential deal seems to align well for both Trocheck and the Wild, setting the stage for an intriguing close to the trade period.