Vincent Trocheck Trade Rumors Heating Up: Wild and Canadiens in the Mix
As the NHL trade deadline inches closer and the Olympic freeze keeps teams in a temporary holding pattern, one name continues to surface in conversations around the league: Vincent Trocheck. The New York Rangers center is drawing interest from multiple teams looking to solidify their middle-six depth, and two clubs in particular-Minnesota and Montreal-are starting to emerge as potential landing spots.
Minnesota’s Interest: A Fit, But a Tight Squeeze
The Minnesota Wild have reportedly been eyeing Trocheck as a possible solution down the middle. According to recent reports, the Wild are actively exploring their center options, and Trocheck is on their radar.
The fit makes sense-he’s a proven two-way forward who brings playoff experience and a strong presence in all three zones. But Minnesota’s ability to pull off a deal is complicated by the fact they’ve already spent heavily on recent acquisitions, including a big swing for Quinn Hughes earlier this season.
That leaves Wild GM Bill Guerin with a thinner deck of trade chips. Names like Charlie Stramel and Jesper Wallstedt have been floated as potential pieces in the right deal, but those are premium assets-ones you only move if the return is exactly right.
Stramel, in particular, is an intriguing wrinkle. The Rangers reportedly had their eyes on him during the 2023 NHL Draft and were ready to take him at 23rd overall before Minnesota snatched him up at 21. Fast forward to this season, and Stramel is tied for sixth in NCAA scoring at Michigan State-a strong showing that only raises his value.
If the Rangers still see long-term upside in Stramel, there could be a foundation for a deal. But with Minnesota already short on top-end assets, Guerin would need to get creative-and aggressive-to make it happen.
Montreal: A Cleaner Path, but Complicated History
While Minnesota may be facing roster and asset limitations, the Montreal Canadiens are in a more flexible position. They’ve managed to hold onto a deeper prospect pool and could offer a more straightforward trade path for the Rangers.
Trocheck would be a natural fit as Montreal’s second-line center, especially given his contract situation. He’s signed for multiple seasons at a manageable cap hit, which gives the Canadiens a veteran presence to help bridge the gap as their young core continues to develop.
One name that could be in play here is Michael Hage. The Michigan standout is currently tied for fourth in NCAA scoring, and if he’s part of the conversation, that’s the kind of high-upside talent that could move the needle for New York.
But even if the on-ice fit is there, the off-ice dynamics could be trickier. For starters, there’s always the question of whether an American-born player like Trocheck would be comfortable committing to a Canadian market. That’s not a given, especially with term left on his deal.
Then there’s the front office history. Rangers GM Chris Drury and Canadiens executive Jeff Gorton have a complicated past, with Gorton having previously served as the Rangers' GM before Drury took over. Whether the two sides can put that history aside and focus on a mutually beneficial deal remains to be seen.
What’s Next?
Nothing is expected to move until after the Olympic break, but Trocheck’s name isn’t going away anytime soon. Whether it’s Minnesota trying to stretch what’s left of their trade capital, or Montreal leveraging a deeper prospect pool, the Rangers have options. And with Trocheck playing a key role in New York’s current lineup, any potential deal will need to be worth the disruption.
For now, it’s a waiting game. But if the right offer comes across the table, don’t be surprised if Trocheck is on the move before the deadline.