The New York Rangers are once again shopping Vincent Trocheck. The two-way center was taken out of the lineup last season, that's how engaged the trade talks were, however, no deal was struck, and Trocheck awkwardly finished the season in New York.
Heading into the offseason, Rangers GM Chris Drury is looking to move off Trocheck, who has three seasons left on his contract at $5.6 million AAV, and he does own a 10-team no-trade clause. Some feel there could be most of the Canadian teams included on the list.
Trocheck finished with 53 points in 67 games and plays in all situations, is great in the faceoff dot, and landed almost 200 hits last season. He's a gamer, a pro's pro, and any team would be lucky to have him within their top six.
Here's four teams to keep an eye this summer as trade talks are heating up:
Toronto Maple Leafs
TSN's Darren Dreger confirmed the Leafs have inquired about Trocheck, as John Chayka continues to navigate changes to Toronto's lineup. Matthews and Nylander wanted some more bite to their lineup, and adding one of Matthews' Olympic teammates could be a great start. Trocheck and Gavin McKenna added to the Leafs top six by July 1st? Could be a huge first summer for Chayka and Mats Sundin.
Minnesota Wild
The Wild are going hard after a center this offseason and Trocheck will be at the top of their list. They made a serious push to acquire him before March's trade deadline, but Drury and Bill Guerin weren't able to strike a deal. Now that the Wild have been put out, would a Jesper Wallstedt for Trocheck deal make sense?
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are going all in this offseason as Stan Bowman has no choice. Connor McDavid currently has one foot out, and if the team doesn't at least get to the Stanley Cup Final next season, this could be it for #97. Trocheck would be a great fit down the middle of their ice and can slide into the number two hole, and give the Oilers new coach a chance to play McDavid and Leon Draisaitl together.
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings are losing Anze Kopitar to retirement this summer, so they're in the market for help down the middle. The Kings and Rangers completed the Artemi Panarin deal last season, so we know they can negotiate together and find common ground. Keep an eye on the Kings, they'll be major players.
Photo credit: Bob Lee, Imagn Images
