The trade chatter surrounding the NHL continues even as the league takes a break for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The unofficial deadline has passed, but the March 6 deadline is now clearly in sight. After the New York Rangers traded Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings, attention has quickly shifted to another veteran piece in New York: Vincent Trocheck.
According to TSN insider Pierre LeBrunthe Minnesota Wild have emerged as a serious suitor. Earlier this week, LeBrun said, “Vincent Trocheck is a guy who’s drawing a lot of interest; keep an eye on the Wild… I don’t know where the Wild will ultimately go… they’ve also shown interest in Ryan O’Reilly; Charlie Coyle; I think Guerin is all in.” Other outlets have also connected the dots between Trocheck and the Wild.
Trocheck checks a lot of boxes for the Wild. The 32-year-old carries a reasonable cap hit of $5.625 million through the 2028-2029 season, wins more than 55 percent of his faceoffs and brings a reliable two-way game that will translate well in the playoffs. He’s also producing, with 12 goals and 36 points in 43 games, making him more than just a depth addition.
Reports suggest the Rangers are commanding a high price, likely including a first-round pick plus a premium prospect. PuckEmpire’s Instagram report adds that Minnesota has “really liked him for a while,” with no deal imminent, but potential packages with prospects like Charlie Stramel or Danila Yurov and a scoop for the future. From New York’s perspective, that makes sense. With Panarin already gone, Chris Drury appears focused on retooling with younger resources and future flexibility.
The wilderness needs another center
For the Wild, the appeal is clear. They moved Marco Rossi in the deal to get Quinn Hughes, leaving their center depth vulnerable. Minnesota is a contender, but if they compete with Dallas and Colorado they will need more weapons. Trocheck’s mix of grit, experience and tenure could stabilize their lineup and support a serious postseason push alongside Kirill Kaprizov.
With the trading freeze lifting later this month, this is a rumor worth checking out.
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