NHL Rumors: Interest in Vincent Trocheck at An All-Time High

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 , ,
New York Rangers forward Vincent Trocheck lines up for faceoff during 2026 game.

The trade market is heating up now that the Olympics are over, and no player’s name is circulating more than Vincent Trocheck. 

Fresh off a gold medal with Team USA, the New York Rangers center has become one of the most talked-about names in the league, with multiple sources saying interest is at an all-time high. 

With the March 6 deadline approaching and both the player and team reportedly open to exploring options, the sense around the NHL is that if Trocheck is willing to waive his no-trade clause, a deal could happen quickly.

Wild, Red Wings Lead Vincent Trocheck Sweepstakes

The Minnesota Wild continue to surface as a serious frontrunner, driven by their need for a proven top-six center and the existing connection between Trocheck and Wild general manager Bill Guerin from Team USA. 

A potential framework could include 2023 first-round pick Charlie Stramel and a future high draft selection. 

Minnesota is pushing to remain competitive in the Western Conference, and adding a reliable two-way center who has consistently produced around the 60-point mark would stabilize their lineup for both the present and the next few seasons.

The Detroit Red Wings are another team gaining traction in the race. 

Detroit is looking to deepen its center group behind Dylan Larkin and J.T. Compher, and the organization has the type of blue-chip prospects the Rangers are believed to be targeting.

Names like Sebastian Cossa, Trey Augustine, or top defensive prospect Axel Sandin-Pellikka represent the kind of young, cost-controlled talent New York needs as it looks to retool around Igor Shesterkin. That's a high-asking price, and Steve Yzerman is always hesitant to part with his top prospects, so it'll be interesting to see if he budges there.

Olympic Performance Boosts Trocheck’s Market Value

Trocheck’s value surged during the Olympics, where he played a major role on a Team USA penalty kill unit that went a perfect 17-for-17, including a crucial 5-on-3 stop in the gold medal game against Canada. 

That performance reinforced what contenders already know about the 32-year-old: he wins faceoffs, plays heavy minutes in all situations, and brings playoff-style intensity. 

Over his NHL career, Trocheck has topped 60 points multiple times and has surpassed the 20-goal mark in seven different seasons, making him one of the more reliable two-way centers available.

Contractually, Trocheck is in the fourth year of a seven-year, $39.3 million deal with a manageable $5.3 million cap hit through 2028-29, along with a 12-team no-trade clause. 

For contenders seeking stability down the middle without a short-term rental risk, that cost certainty is part of the appeal.

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Go To: NFL Rumors | NBA Rumors | MLB Rumors