As the NHL Olympic roster freeze nears its end, the Montreal Canadiens are shaping up to be one of the more intriguing teams to watch heading into the 2026 trade deadline. Sitting near the top of the Eastern Conference standings, Montreal is firmly in the contender conversation-and that means the front office is likely eyeing upgrades to solidify a playoff run.
One area that’s stood out all season? Center depth.
Enter Vincent Trocheck.
The Canadiens have reportedly emerged as a serious candidate to land the veteran New York Rangers center, who’s widely considered one of the top names available on the trade market. And honestly, the fit makes a lot of sense. Montreal’s been searching for a reliable option down the middle behind their top line, and Trocheck checks a lot of boxes.
At 32, Trocheck is still producing at a high level-12 goals, 24 assists, 36 points in 43 games this season. That kind of pace isn’t just respectable; it’s the kind of production that can tilt the ice in a playoff series.
He’s not just a rental, either. Trocheck is under contract through the 2028-29 season with a manageable $5.625 million cap hit.
That term might scare off some teams, but for the Canadiens, it could be a strategic bridge as their younger forwards continue to develop and grow into bigger roles.
There’s also the stylistic fit to consider. Trocheck brings a gritty, two-way game that would complement Montreal’s high-tempo, structured system.
He’s the kind of player who can win key faceoffs, kill penalties, and chip in on the power play. That versatility becomes even more valuable in the postseason, where matchups and depth often decide series.
Of course, landing Trocheck won’t come cheap. The Rangers would almost certainly demand a significant return-likely a mix of picks and prospects, maybe even a roster player. But for a Canadiens team that looks ready to contend now and has a strong pipeline of young talent, this could be the right time to make that kind of move.
There’s no shortage of teams looking for a top-six center ahead of the deadline, so Montreal won’t be alone in the chase. But if the Canadiens decide to push their chips in, Trocheck could be the kind of addition that helps them take the next step-from playoff team to true contender.