Even with the NHL hitting pause for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, the trade winds haven’t stopped swirling. The March 6 trade deadline looms, and after the New York Rangers made headlines by dealing Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings, the spotlight has now shifted to another key piece on Broadway: Vincent Trocheck.
And it’s not just idle chatter - the Minnesota Wild are emerging as a legitimate contender for Trocheck’s services. According to league insider Pierre LeBrun, Minnesota is firmly in the mix.
LeBrun mentioned the Wild as a team to watch, noting they’ve also kicked the tires on other centers like Ryan O’Reilly and Charlie Coyle. That suggests GM Bill Guerin is pushing his chips in this season.
So why Trocheck? Well, he fits the Wild’s needs like a glove.
The 32-year-old center brings a veteran presence, a reliable two-way game, and a contract that - while not cheap - offers cost certainty at a $5.625 million cap hit through 2028-29. That’s a manageable number for a guy who wins over 55% of his faceoffs and is still producing offensively.
With 12 goals and 36 points in 43 games, Trocheck isn’t just a locker room leader - he’s still making an impact on the ice.
From Minnesota’s perspective, this is about more than just adding depth. They’re looking to fortify a center group that took a hit when Marco Rossi was moved in the Quinn Hughes trade.
That deal helped bolster their blue line, but it left a noticeable gap down the middle. And in a Central Division race that includes heavyweights like Dallas and Colorado, the Wild know they need more firepower if they’re going to keep pace.
Trocheck’s playoff-ready game and ability to play in all situations could be the stabilizing force they need behind Kirill Kaprizov.
Of course, acquiring a player like Trocheck won’t come cheap. Reports indicate the Rangers are asking for a first-round pick and a top-tier prospect.
Names like Charlie Stramel and Danila Yurov have been floated as potential pieces in a deal, and while nothing is imminent, there’s clear mutual interest. Minnesota has reportedly liked Trocheck for some time, and with Panarin already out the door, Rangers GM Chris Drury appears to be eyeing a reset - one that includes younger assets and long-term flexibility.
This is the kind of deal that could shape the playoff picture in a big way. The Wild aren’t just looking to make the postseason - they want to make noise once they get there. And Trocheck, with his blend of skill, grit, and experience, could be the missing piece that helps them do just that.
With the Olympic trade freeze set to lift later this month, this is a situation worth keeping a close eye on.