NHL Trade Watch: Trocheck Drawing Interest, Oilers and Leafs Exploring Options
With the NHL on pause for the Olympic break, front offices across the league are mostly quiet - but not completely silent. A few intriguing trade rumblings have surfaced in recent days, and while the action won’t pick up in earnest until after the freeze lifts, there’s already some movement worth keeping an eye on.
Let’s dig into two storylines making the rounds: Vincent Trocheck’s potential availability in New York, and some unexpected trade chatter between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers.
Vincent Trocheck on the Market?
Vincent Trocheck’s name is starting to buzz, and it’s not without reason. The New York Rangers - a team that recently signaled a new direction by sending a rebuild letter to fans - may be open for business across much of the roster.
One player seemingly off-limits is goaltender Igor Shesterkin. Beyond that?
It sounds like just about anyone could be in play, including Trocheck.
The veteran center has already been linked to the Minnesota Wild, who are actively searching for a top-six center to bolster their lineup. But another team to watch closely here is the Detroit Red Wings.
There’s some history between Trocheck and Detroit: during the 2022-23 free agency period, the Red Wings were reportedly very interested in signing him before the Rangers ultimately landed him. That prior interest could resurface now that Trocheck may be available via trade.
For Detroit, adding a player like Trocheck would provide an experienced, two-way presence down the middle - someone who can win faceoffs, play in all situations, and bring a bit of edge to the lineup. If the Rangers are truly listening on offers, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Red Wings circle back and try to get a deal done.
Oilers and Leafs Talking Trade - But Not the Names You’d Expect
Meanwhile, out west, the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs reportedly had some trade discussions just before the Olympic roster freeze kicked in. Naturally, the speculation immediately turned to Bobby McMann - a player who’s been generating buzz lately. But according to reports, McMann wasn’t the focus of the talks.
Instead, the Oilers were apparently asking about Nicolas Roy and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. That’s a bit of a curveball, but it tracks with what Edmonton needs right now.
Roy, who carved out a defined role with the Vegas Golden Knights before landing in Toronto, is the kind of depth forward the Oilers have been targeting. He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable - a guy who plays hard minutes, understands his role, and doesn’t need top-six ice time to make an impact. That’s exactly the kind of player Edmonton could use in the bottom six as they gear up for a playoff push.
As for Ekman-Larsson, he’s not the same player he once was, but he still brings value. He’s capable of logging second- or third-pairing minutes and contributing offensively from the back end. While he’s not a shutdown presence like Mattias Ekholm, he could offer some much-needed stability to Edmonton’s blue line.
Whether these talks between the Leafs and Oilers resume after the break remains to be seen, but it’s a storyline worth tracking as the trade deadline draws closer. Both teams have playoff aspirations, and both could use a few finishing touches to round out their rosters.
Bottom Line
With the Olympic break in full swing, the NHL rumor mill hasn’t completely shut down - it’s just simmering. Trocheck’s situation in New York could heat up quickly, especially if teams like Detroit and Minnesota come calling. And the Leafs-Oilers discussions show that even the most active contenders are still looking for ways to tweak their lineups.
Once the freeze lifts and the deadline looms larger, expect these conversations to pick up steam. For now, these are the names and situations to keep on your radar.