The Pittsburgh Penguins have quietly put together a strong campaign this season, sitting at 29-15-12 with 70 points-good for second place in the Metropolitan Division. It’s a position not many expected them to be in at this stage, but credit where it’s due: this team is grinding out results and staying relevant in a tightly packed playoff race.
And now, with the postseason in sight, the Penguins are being floated as a potential suitor for one of the bigger names on the NHL trade market-New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck.
Trocheck, a Pittsburgh native, would be a homecoming story with teeth. According to reports, the Penguins are among the teams being linked to the veteran forward.
It’s not just a feel-good narrative, either. Trocheck’s game could bring real on-ice value to a team that’s still trying to balance its aging core with a competitive window that hasn’t shut just yet.
Let’s talk fit. Trocheck would give the Penguins another legitimate top-six center, and there’s a scenario where he could slot in as the 2C with Evgeni Malkin shifting to the wing.
That’s not just a lineup tweak-that’s a potential spark for Pittsburgh’s top six. Trocheck brings a mix of offensive punch and physical edge that could complement the Penguins’ current setup, especially on the power play where his vision and puck movement could shine.
This season, Trocheck has 12 goals and 24 assists through 43 games-solid production from a player who knows how to drive play and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. He’s also racked up 130 hits, which tells you he’s not just floating out there waiting for the puck to come to him. He’s engaged, he’s physical, and he brings that two-way presence that playoff teams crave.
But here’s the other side of the coin: Penguins GM Kyle Dubas has been walking a tightrope between staying competitive and preparing for the future. Pittsburgh is in a retooling phase, not a full-blown rebuild, but that makes asset management critical. Giving up significant future pieces for a veteran like Trocheck-who’s still got plenty of game but isn’t exactly a long-term solution-might not be an easy sell.
Still, if the Penguins believe they have a real shot at making noise this postseason, Trocheck could be the kind of midseason swing that pushes them over the edge. He’s not just a name-he’s a proven performer who plays with an edge and fits the mold of playoff-style hockey.
Whether Dubas decides to pull the trigger or not, the fact that Pittsburgh is even in this conversation in mid-February speaks volumes. The Penguins are in the mix, and with a move like this, they’d be signaling that they’re not just happy to be here-they’re looking to make a run.