Maple Leafs Circle Back On Trocheck, 2 Toronto Players Named As Part Of Potential Return

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck

The Toronto Maple Leafs got some tough news last week when it was learned that Max Domi had complications during his back surgery that could keep him out at least for the start of next season, if not longer.

When that was revealed to the team, we're now learning that they apparently circled back to the New York Rangers on Vincent Trocheck. We heard a few weeks back that they'd expressed interest in the Rangers' two-way center, but now they're re-visiting that potential target, as their center depth was exceptionally thin, even with Domi playing out of position in the pivot.

The Maple Leafs have reportedly contacted the New York Rangers about Vincent Trocheck after Max Domi’s back surgery complications, potentially leaving the Leafs in need of a second- or third-line center, per @MollieeWalkerr.

Trocheck could potentially play behind Auston… pic.twitter.com/tXVxyYJHmT
— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) June 3, 2026

After Auston Matthews and John Tavares, the cupboard is pretty bare on NHL-capable centers for the Blue & White. They traded Scott Laughton at the deadline, and now with Domi out, it's even more urgent of a need.

Mollie Walker writes in The New York Post that the Leafs contacted the Rangers after the Domi news, as Trocheck would be an ideal fit as the 2C, allowing Tavares to slide back into a third-line role as he enters his age-36 season.

Rangers' asking price for Trocheck remains exceedingly high

Walker suggests that two names that New York could be seeking as part of a package in return include Nick Robertson and top defense prospect Ben Danford.

The Rangers' asking price for Trocheck has been (and will apparently continue to be) a first-round pick, a roster player, and a prospect.

Robertson & Danford might satisfy the last two requirements, but as for the first-round pick, they certainly aren't going to part with this year's No. 1 overall pick in any such deal. The Leafs do have a first-rounder (top 10 protected) from the Colorado Avalanche in 2027, but none in 2028.

Walker adds that Matthew Knies is "believed to be on the Rangers' radar as well," but it would be hard to believe that Toronto would be willing to part with him in this deal, if at all.

Trocheck's value on the trade market is at an all-time high with the very thin free agent class, and his very team-friendly contract (three years to run at a $5.625 million cap hit). His numbers were a little off last season, with just 16 goals and 53 points with a -16 plus/minus rating. That followed four straight years of 20+ goals and positive plus/minus ratings.