The New York Rangers find themselves in a precarious position as the NHL trade deadline approaches on March 6. After a promising start to 2026 with a 5-1 Winter Classic victory over the Florida Panthers, the team has faltered, currently sitting three points out of last place in the Eastern Conference. Their struggles have led to speculation that General Manager Chris Drury may become a seller at the deadline, and two prominent names have emerged in trade discussions: Alexis Lafreniere and Vincent Trocheck.
Alexis Lafreniere, the highly touted first-overall pick from the 2020 NHL Draft, has not quite lived up to the lofty expectations placed upon him. While he had a solid 2023-24 season with 28 goals and 57 points, his performance dipped after signing a seven-year contract extension. This season, he's on pace for less than 20 goals and 50 points. Despite consistent opportunities in the top six forward group, Lafreniere has struggled to establish himself as a dominant force. Trading Lafreniere could provide the Rangers with valuable assets to address other needs. Potential trade partners could include teams like the Montreal Canadiens, who have reportedly expressed interest in the Quebec native. A potential deal with Buffalo Sabres involving Alex Tuch was also rumored.
Vincent Trocheck, on the other hand, has been a consistent and valuable contributor to the Rangers. The 32-year-old center is known for his strong two-way play, physicality, and ability to get under his opponent's skin. This season, he has 11 goals and 26 points in 31 games. Trocheck's reasonable $5.625 million cap hit, which runs for three more years after this season, makes him an attractive target for teams seeking to bolster their center depth for a playoff push. If made available, Trocheck could be the most sought-after center on the trade market, potentially fetching a significant return for the Rangers. However, Trocheck has some level of no-trade protection.
The Rangers' current standing – three points out of last in the East, but only five points from a wild-card spot – presents a dilemma for Drury. The team's inconsistency suggests they may not be a true playoff contender, prompting the need to re-evaluate the team's core. Trading Trocheck would allow the Rangers to capitalize on his high value and potentially acquire younger players or draft picks to accelerate a retooling process. The Rangers need to retool quickly, and Trocheck is the only piece over 30 years of age that can bring in a haul and truly kickstart the retool.
Ultimately, the decision to trade Lafreniere and/or Trocheck will depend on the offers Drury receives and his assessment of the Rangers' long-term prospects. Moving on from these players could signal a strategic shift towards building for the future.
