As the NHL pauses for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, trade rumors continue to swirl, with the Minnesota Wild reportedly eyeing New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck. TSN insider Pierre LeBrun indicated the Wild's strong interest in Trocheck, noting that the team has also shown interest in other centers like Ryan O'Reilly and Charlie Coyle, suggesting that Wild General Manager Bill Guerin is determined to improve his team's center depth.
Following the Rangers' trade of Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings, attention has quickly turned to Trocheck as another potentially available veteran player. Several sources have linked Trocheck to the Wild, highlighting his appealing attributes. The 32-year-old center has a reasonable $5.625 million cap hit through the 2028-29 season, wins over 55 percent of his faceoffs, and plays a reliable two-way game suited for the playoffs. Additionally, his offensive production, with 12 goals and 36 points in 43 games, makes him more than just a depth addition.
The Wild's need for a center has become apparent, especially after trading Marco Rossi in the deal that brought Quinn Hughes to Minnesota. To compete with top teams like Dallas and Colorado, the Wild need to bolster their offensive capabilities and overall team strength. Trocheck's blend of grit, experience, and contract term could provide stability and significantly enhance Minnesota's competitiveness.
However, acquiring Trocheck won't be easy. Reports suggest that the Rangers have set a high asking price, potentially including a first-round pick and a top prospect. PuckEmpire's Instagram report mentioned that Minnesota has had a long-standing interest in Trocheck, and potential trade packages could involve prospects like Charlie Stramel or Danila Yurov, along with a future first-round pick.
From the Rangers' perspective, trading Trocheck aligns with their apparent strategy of retooling with younger assets and securing future flexibility, especially after moving Panarin. Rangers' General Manager Chris Drury's moves suggest a focus on rebuilding the team with youth and draft picks.
The Wild's potential trade package might include their 2027 first-round pick, one of their two 2026 fifth-rounders, and prospects like Danila Yurov or young defensemen such as David Jiricek or David Spacek. Acquiring a first-rounder, Yurov, a mid-round pick, and another prospect would be a significant return for the Rangers.
Ultimately, whether the Wild can land Trocheck depends on several factors, including Trocheck's willingness to waive his 12-team no-trade clause and whether another team makes an offer the Rangers can't refuse. As the March 6 trade deadline approaches, the Wild's pursuit of Trocheck remains a key storyline to watch.