The NHL trade rumor mill is heating up, and the New York Rangers are right in the thick of it. With whispers of a retool gaining traction, attention has turned toward potential moves involving key roster pieces.
While some speculation has centered around Artemi Panarin, it’s not the Breadman who’s drawing the most serious interest. Instead, it’s Vincent Trocheck who’s emerged as a name to watch - and two teams, in particular, are circling.
The Minnesota Wild and Los Angeles Kings are both in the market for a center, and Trocheck’s name is reportedly at the top of their lists. It makes sense.
He’s a proven two-way pivot with playoff experience, a strong presence in the faceoff circle, and a contract that’s team-friendly for a contender. In short, he checks a lot of boxes for teams looking to make a legitimate push.
According to a league source, there’s real interest brewing: “He’d be the perfect 2C on a contending team at a really good salary. If the Rangers get a big offer for him - and I’d expect that to happen - Chris [Drury] is going to have to think long and hard.”
The Wild, in particular, are a team to watch here. After making a bold move for Quinn Hughes, Minnesota GM Bill Guerin may not be done.
The goal? Build a roster that can go toe-to-toe with the Colorado Avalanche in the West.
And Trocheck, with his gritty style and veteran presence, fits right into that vision.
There’s also a personal connection worth noting. Guerin knows Trocheck well from their time together with Team USA, which only strengthens the idea that Minnesota could be a serious suitor.
As one source put it: “Trocheck would fit well with what Bill Guerin has built in Minnesota. They’d look good enough to go up against Colorado, and that’s why they’d show interest.”
Of course, there’s a major hurdle: Trocheck’s 12-team no-trade clause. If the Wild are on that list, things get complicated. But if they’re not, Guerin may have a clear path to making a deal.
So what would it take to land Trocheck?
That’s where things get interesting. The Rangers, if they’re serious about retooling, would likely be eyeing a return centered on youth and draft capital. The Wild, fresh off the Hughes deal, may be a little light on assets - but they’re not completely out of ammo.
One name that’s surfaced is Danila Yurov. The 22-year-old winger, a former first-round pick in 2022, is still finding his footing but has shown flashes of top-six potential.
With seven goals and 19 points through 44 games this season, he’s not quite there yet - but the upside is evident. For a Rangers team looking toward the future, Yurov could be an intriguing piece.
Minnesota might also be willing to include a first-round pick - possibly in 2027 - along with a mid-rounder (they hold two fifth-round picks in 2026) and a defensive prospect. Names like David Jiricek or David Spacek have been floated as possibilities, both offering long-term upside on the blue line.
If the Rangers could walk away with a package like that - a first-rounder, Yurov, a mid-round pick, and a promising young defenseman - it would be a strong return for Trocheck, especially considering the team’s desire to get younger and build for sustained success.
Still, this is far from a done deal. The Kings are lurking, and there’s always the chance another team jumps into the mix with an offer that blows the Rangers away. But for now, Minnesota seems to be pressing the hardest.
If Trocheck’s open to a move - and if the Wild can put together the right package - this could be one of the more impactful trades of the season. For the Rangers, it’s a chance to reshape their roster with an eye toward the future. For the Wild, it’s about taking that next step and challenging the West’s elite.
The coming weeks will tell us just how serious both sides are. But one thing’s clear: Vincent Trocheck’s name isn’t just floating around the rumor mill - it’s right in the center of it.