Vincent Trocheck reveals where he'll be traded and a final goodbye to the Rangers
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Hunter Bowman
Mar 2, 2026 (11:40)
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Photo credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The deadline pressure is mounting at Madison Square Garden, and Vincent Trocheck is taking control of his destiny.
With the New York Rangers spiralling toward a retool, the veteran center has made one thing clear to general manager Chris Drury.
If he is moving, he isn't crossing the Mississippi. Trocheck confirmed today that his 12-team no-trade list is heavily populated by Western Conference markets. For the 32-year-old, the decision isn't about hockey-it's about his family staying on the East Coast.
Head coach Mike Sullivan has leaned on Trocheck heavily during a rough stretch that has the Rangers sitting 8th in the Metropolitan Division with just 53 points. Despite the team's struggles, the Pittsburgh native has remained productive, posting 38 points in 45 games this season.
He officially confirmed his next trade destination, which will only be in the East.
"It's no secret," Trocheck told reporters. "Winning is a priority, but my family comes first. West teams are on my no-trade list."
This development complicates matters for the Minnesota Wild, who have reportedly kept a "standing offer" on the table for weeks. Bill Guerin has been aggressive, but if Trocheck refuses to waive his protection for a move to the Central Division, Drury's leverage takes a massive hit.
«I'm sure you're relating to the 'I don't want to be out West' talk on Instagram or Twitter or whatever. And, yeah, it's not a secret. They are on my no trade cause, family is important to me and my family is on the east coast.»
The Rangers have already moved Artemi Panarin earlier this season, signalling a total shift in philosophy. Trocheck, signed through 2029 with a $5.625 million cap hit, represents one of the few remaining trade chips that can return a high-end prospect or first-round pick.
Will the Red Wings or Hurricanes pounce?
With the West effectively blocked off, the Detroit Red Wings and Carolina Hurricanes have emerged as the primary frontrunners. Both teams are in the thick of the playoff race and need a veteran who wins 57% of his faceoffs and plays a gritty, 200-foot game.
A return to Raleigh would be a "seamless" fit for Trocheck, who enjoyed some of his best statistical years with the Hurricanes. Detroit offers a chance to reunite with Team USA teammate Dylan Larkin, providing the veteran presence Steve Yzerman covets.
Drury is running out of time before the March 6 deadline. If he can't convince Trocheck to expand his list, he might have to settle for a divisional rival's package.
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