The New York Rangers are gearing up for their matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers, but all eyes are on the future of their roster. With Artemi Panarin now a Los Angeles King, the buzz is around Vincent Trocheck potentially being the next big name on the move.
Trocheck, a highly sought-after right-handed center, is drawing significant interest from playoff contenders. The Minnesota Wild are particularly keen, eyeing their first Stanley Cup.
Wild GM Bill Guerin, who previously picked Trocheck for the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic team, knows his value.
However, landing Trocheck might not be as straightforward as it seems.
In a recent episode of The Flying V Podcast, Wild reporter Michael Russo shared his doubts about Minnesota's chances of securing Trocheck. While the Wild are clearly interested, Russo pointed out that unless Danila Yurov is part of the deal, the Rangers might look elsewhere. Yurov, a promising 22-year-old forward, has been a standout with his playmaking abilities and solid shot.
Russo emphasized that trading Yurov for Trocheck might not be wise, especially since Trocheck, while valuable, isn't considered a superstar. The Rangers, having learned from the Panarin trade, are likely to demand a hefty return. Trocheck's partial no-move clause gives them more leverage, and with other teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Carolina Hurricanes in the mix, the competition is fierce.
Trocheck's skill set-goal-scoring, penalty-killing, and face-off wins-makes him an attractive asset. His Olympic performance, where he excelled in face-offs and penalty kills, only adds to his appeal. But as Russo suggests, the Rangers might hold out for a better offer, especially with Trocheck's contract extending for three more years.
Yurov remains a key piece in any potential trade. Averaging over 13 minutes of ice time per game, he’s shown flashes of brilliance with eight goals and 14 assists in 51 games. For the Rangers, who need young scoring forwards, Yurov could be a vital addition.
As the trade deadline looms, the Wild's pursuit of Trocheck will be closely watched. While they have a clear interest, the final decision rests on whether they can meet the Rangers' demands. One thing is certain: Trocheck's future is a hot topic, and the coming days could bring significant developments.