Vincent Trocheck trade buzz heats up, and three teams surface as the main contenders
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Bruce Raymond
Feb 25, 2026 (5:08 PM)
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Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Vincent Trocheck is suddenly at the center of NHL trade rumors, and it feels like the New York Rangers are running out of runway.
On Tuesday's DFO Rundown chatter, the word was «prime candidate» to be moved, with real interest already bubbling.
This is not a rental whisper either, Trocheck carries a $5.625 million cap hit and control still matters.
His protection is limited now, a 12 team no trade list in 2025-26, so this is workable if the Rangers pick their lane.
Trocheck's production is still there at 12-24-36 through 43 games, and he plays the kind of hard minutes contenders pay for.
The tension is simple, a center who can do everything is exactly the guy teams chase when their top six gets thin.
He wins puck races, lives around the crease, and he does not need perfect wingers to drive a line.
New York also knows the math, moving that cap hit can open doors for a retool without punting the season.
Vincent Trocheck puts the New York Rangers on edge
Rangers fans are stuck in that annoying middle ground, you can see why he helps, and you can also see why cashing in now might be smartest.
Minnesota is the loudest fit because the Wild keep hunting for a real playoff center who can handle tough matchups and still chip in offense.
The problem is geography, the Wild are Central, and Trocheck's preference to stay in the East makes any conversation complicated fast.
Los Angeles has checked in too, because the Kings want more bite down the middle and another trusted option on the man advantage.
But Trocheck steering away from the West is a real hurdle, so this one likely needs a big sell and maybe some retention.
Carolina is the cleanest hockey fit, familiar structure, pace, and a clear role for a playoff tested center who can play in every situation.
If the Rangers do it, the next milestone is simple, get the return right, then see how the room responds in the very next game.
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