The idea of the New York Rangers trading Vincent Trocheck may sound far-fetched at first, but recent analysis suggests that if the team were to ever go that route, the return could be significant – possibly even greater than what they would get for Artemi Panarin.
In a recent mailbag for The Athletics, Vincent Z. Mercogliano answered a reader’s question about Trocheck’s trade value and why the Rangers would have a huge package if they ever made him available. While Mercogliano was clear that there is no evidence of New York shopping at Trocheck, there may be a good reason to consider it.
Trocheck checks several frequently requested boxes. He’s two years younger than Panarin, plays the coveted center position and is signed for three more seasons at a team-friendly cap hit of $5.625 million. That combination – age, position and cost certainty – is gold in today’s NHL trade market.
Recent history supports that appreciation. The writer writes:
“One trade that drew a lot of attention at last season’s deadline was the one that sent Brock Nelson to the Colorado Avalanche. In exchange for Nelson and starting prospect William Dufour (who has since moved to Russia’s KHL), the New York Islanders received a top-10 protected first-rounder, a conditional third, center prospect Calum Ritchie and depth defenseman Oliver Kylington. It showed that the value centers are making it across the league, but it’s not even a Apples-to-apples comparison.”
Another similar example is the Vegas Golden Knights’ acquisition of Tomáš Hertl from San Jose. Despite Hertl having a much higher cap hit and a longer term, Vegas paid an unprotected first-round pick and a strong center prospect to get the deal done.
The Rangers could provide a pretty solid return for Trocheck
Taken together, these precedents suggest that a Trocheck trade would start with a first-round pick and a quality prospect — and likely more. While Trocheck has a 12-team no-trade list, it is much less restrictive than Panarin’s full no-movement clause.
If the Rangers ever decide to explore that option, the center market would be ready – and willing – to pay.
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