Vincent Trocheck Playing Smaller Role for Team USA, But Still Making a Big Impact
Vincent Trocheck isn’t used to flying under the radar. Since joining the New York Rangers, he’s been one of their most consistent and relied-upon players - a top-six staple who logs heavy minutes, chips in offensively, and brings a gritty edge that coaches love and teammates feed off. But at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Trocheck is in unfamiliar territory with Team USA, and his role - at least early on - looks a lot different than what Rangers fans are used to seeing.
In Team USA’s 5-1 win over Latvia, Trocheck saw just 9:11 of ice time - the fewest of any skater in the lineup. For context, defenseman Quinn Hughes led the team with 21:29, while Jack Eichel paced the forwards with 18:13.
Even fellow Ranger J.T. Miller, who isn't exactly a first-line lock on this stacked American roster, logged 12:12.
Jack Hughes had 11:14.
That’s a significant drop-off for a player who’s averaging nearly 21 minutes a night back in New York. Through 43 games this season, Trocheck has tallied 12 goals and 24 assists for 36 points - third-most on the Rangers.
He’s been a workhorse, plain and simple. Whether it’s the power play, the penalty kill, or a key faceoff in a tight game, Trocheck is the guy Peter Laviolette has leaned on.
So, what gives?
Well, part of it is just the nature of international tournaments. Team USA is loaded up front - this is a roster built to roll four lines that can all score, defend, and skate.
And when you’ve got that kind of depth, minutes get spread around. But for a player like Trocheck, who thrives on rhythm and reps, it’s a big adjustment.
Hockey players are creatures of habit. Getting into a flow matters.
Trocheck has averaged 19:18 a night across his NHL career - that’s a lot of time to get into the game, feel out matchups, and make an impact. When you’re sitting for long stretches, even if you’re technically more rested, your timing can get thrown off.
Legs stiffen. Reads come a half-second late.
You’re not quite in sync.
But if that was bothering Trocheck on Thursday, he didn’t show it. He made the most of his limited minutes, picking up an assist on Brock Nelson’s second-period goal - the eventual game-winner.
It was a classic Trocheck play: smart, quick, and efficient. No wasted motion, just a sharp read and a clean execution.
That’s the kind of contribution that doesn’t always show up in big ice time totals, but it shows up where it matters.
And that’s the paradox of Trocheck’s Olympic role. Back in the NHL, he’s being talked about as a top name ahead of the trade deadline - a proven playoff performer with a versatile skill set that checks every box for contenders looking to beef up their middle six.
He wins faceoffs, plays in all situations, brings edge and energy, and has a track record of stepping up in big moments. He’s exactly the kind of player GMs covet this time of year.
Yet here he is in the Olympics, skating under 10 minutes in a blowout win.
It’s not a knock - it’s a testament to how deep this Team USA roster is, and how adaptable Trocheck can be. He’s not sulking.
He’s not forcing plays to prove a point. He’s doing what he’s always done: finding ways to help his team win, no matter the role.
That’s what makes Trocheck such a valuable piece - whether it’s on a loaded Olympic roster or in the thick of an NHL playoff push. He’s the kind of player who elevates the group around him, even when he’s not the one front and center.
And as this tournament rolls on, don’t be surprised if his minutes tick up. Because when the games get tighter and the stakes get higher, coaches tend to lean on the guys they trust most.
Trocheck’s earned that trust. Whether it’s 9 minutes or 19, he’s going to be ready.