The Artemi Panarin era in New York is officially over, but for Rangers GM Chris Drury, the work is far from done. With the team buried at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings and sitting 30th overall in the NHL, the Rangers are firmly in sell mode-and there’s every reason to believe more moves are coming once the Olympic trade freeze lifts on February 23.
Next up on the trade block? Vincent Trocheck.
Panarin was the second big name to be moved by the Rangers ahead of the Milan-Cortina Olympic roster freeze, following defenseman Carson Soucy’s trade to the Islanders. In return for Panarin, the Rangers received a promising forward prospect in Liam Greentree and two conditional draft picks from the Los Angeles Kings-a clear signal that Drury is looking ahead, not backward.
And if there’s one player who could bring in a serious return while also helping reshape the roster, it’s Trocheck.
Trocheck: A Two-Way Center with Playoff Pedigree
Trocheck’s name has been swirling in trade chatter, and for good reason. He’s the kind of player who checks just about every box for a contending team: a dependable two-way center, strong in the faceoff circle, plays with edge, and doesn’t shy away from the tough minutes. He’s also a proven playoff performer, which always carries weight this time of year.
At 32 years old and in his 12th NHL season, Trocheck is still producing at a high level. He’s tied for third in team scoring with 36 points and is averaging 0.82 points per game. That’s not just solid-it’s the kind of production that makes him a legitimate top-six option for any team with Stanley Cup aspirations.
And let’s not forget what he did just two seasons ago. Centering a line with Panarin and Alexis Lafrenière, Trocheck racked up 77 points in the regular season and added 20 more in 16 playoff games.
That run helped the Rangers win the Presidents’ Trophy and come within two wins of the Stanley Cup Final. He’s not just a numbers guy-he’s been in the trenches, and he’s delivered when it matters.
Contract Control Makes Trocheck Even More Valuable
Trocheck isn’t a rental. He’s signed for three more years after this season at a very reasonable $5.625 million AAV.
That’s a bargain for a center who can play in all situations and has a track record of playoff success. For a cap-strapped contender, that kind of cost certainty is gold.
He also brings leadership. Inside the Rangers’ locker room, Trocheck is seen as a veteran presence who leads by example. That kind of intangible doesn’t show up on the stat sheet, but it matters-especially for teams looking to make a deep postseason run.
Potential Trade Partners: Contenders and Rebuilders Alike
If Drury decides to move Trocheck, the market should be wide open.
Teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning or Carolina Hurricanes could be in play. Both are in win-now mode and could use a player like Trocheck to fortify their center depth.
There’s some history here too-Trocheck was traded to Carolina once before, back in 2020 when Florida sent him to Raleigh ahead of the deadline. A reunion isn’t out of the question.
But it’s not just contenders who should be interested. Young, developing teams like the Buffalo Sabres or San Jose Sharks might see Trocheck as a stabilizing force-someone who can elevate their top six while mentoring a young core.
Buffalo, for instance, is reportedly at a standstill in contract talks with pending UFA Alex Tuch. If those talks fall apart, the Sabres could pivot toward acquiring a center like Trocheck to slot behind Tage Thompson.
Tuch, still just 29, could be a name the Rangers are intrigued by, though they could also wait and try to sign him in free agency. Either way, a Sabres-Rangers deal might center more around prospects or NHL-ready youth.
San Jose is another intriguing option. The Sharks have reportedly shown interest in defenseman Braden Schneider, and they’re also said to be shopping defenseman Mario Ferraro, who’s set to become a UFA. If the Rangers are open to moving both Trocheck and Schneider-and that’s a big if-they could potentially land Ferraro (assuming an extension is part of the deal) and a package of young assets that would accelerate the Rangers’ retool in a hurry.
Still, Schneider is only 24 and could be part of the Rangers’ long-term plans. That’s a decision Drury will have to weigh carefully.
Keep an Eye on the Kings
Don’t rule out Los Angeles either. The Kings just added Panarin and are in need of a center, especially with Anze Kopitar set to retire after the season. The chemistry between Panarin and Trocheck is already proven, and reuniting them could be appealing for a team looking to make a serious push.
What’s Next for the Rangers?
With the trade freeze lifting on February 23 and the March 6 deadline looming, the Rangers have a narrow but critical window to reshape their future. Trocheck’s value is high-and if Drury plays this right, he could turn one of his most consistent veterans into a package that helps spark a faster, more focused retool.
The Panarin move was just the beginning. The next few weeks could define how quickly this Rangers team climbs back into contention. And if Trocheck is indeed the next domino to fall, expect the return to be significant-because players like him don’t come cheap.