Rangers & Red Wings Emerging as Trade Partners

The New York Rangers have already made one massive change by move Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings, and it sounds like some moves could be coming involving their core players, specifically, Vincent Trocheck.

According to multiple reports, the Detroit Red Wings and Rangers could be working on a deal that sees Trocheck wind up in Motown. The 32-year-old center is signed for three more seasons at $5.6 million AAV, and owns a 12-team no-trade clause. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman discussed Trocheck trade update in his recent 32 Thoughts blog:

Panarin’s arrival does not diminish the Kings’ desire for a centre. There were reports they tried to add Vincent Trocheck to this deal. I can’t speak to that, but word is Trocheck prefers to stay East with what control he has. That doesn’t mean it’s a guarantee, but it is his preference at this time. Detroit, by the way, went hard at Trocheck when he was a UFA. Rangers beat them for his services.

Trocheck has produced 12 goals and 36 points in 43 games this season, while averaging 20:54 of ice-time per game, including being a major part of both sides of special teams. He's also landed 130 hits on the season, and has won close to 57% of his faceoffs. There's no doubt he's the type of player the Red Wings need to get over the hump and elevate their top six. 

The Rangers will come out of the Olympic break dead last in the Eastern Conference by eight points, which is quite the downfall from last season, meanwhile, the Red Wings are 33-19-6 on the year and sit in third in the Atlantic Division. After GM Steve Yzerman caught heat from the team for sitting on his hands last season, expect to see some major moves out of Detroit before March's deadline, and Trocheck could be their top target.

Photo credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images