Arguably no team in the NHL had a more anticlimactic season this year the New York Rangers. After a disappointing 24-25 campaign that saw the Rangers miss the playoffs, they were expected to bounce back and return to the postseason this year. This did not happen; in fact they took another step backward and finished last in the eastern conference. They recorded just 77 points, which placed them 30th in the standings.
Change has been taking place in New York as the club shipped out longtime star forward Artemi Panarin this past season to the Los Angeles Kings ahead of the trade deadline. Many more moves are expected to take place this summer as the club enters a retooling process under general manager Chris Drury.
One player whose future with the team is under question is Vincent Trocheck. Insider Elliotte Friedman pointed out that interest this offseason for Trocheck’s services will be high on the 32 Thoughts podcast: “Teams know what the Rangers want, and I always assume after the playoffs are over, someone who’s gonna lose early is gonna say you know what…we could use Vinny Trocheck.”
Vincent Trocheck is a Valuable Player
It is not a surprise that Trocheck would be coveted amongst many GM’s around the league knowing the Rangers retool situation is likely to lead to increased roster turnover. Trocheck has asserted himself as a valuable top-six piece in the offensive rotation.
Trocheck was one of the few consistent players for a Rangers team that struggled with inconsistency this year. He tallied 16 goals and 37 assists for 53 points in 67 games in the regular season. Outside of his New York obligations, Trocheck represented Team USA in the Olympics and helped the group bring home gold. He touted three assists in six games in the tournament.
Trocheck has been an impactful player throughout his career, especially with the Rangers. Over the course of his four year tenure in New York, Trocheck has amassed 89 goals and 164 assists for 253 points in 313 regular season games. In the playoffs, he has registered 9 goals and 12 assists for 21 points in 23 games with New York.
Rangers Entering a Retool
A Trocheck move would make sense for New York if Drury wants to fully commit to this retool and ice a new look roster next season. Amongst potential trade chips in the organization that could fetch the strongest return, Trocheck is up there. He is a player who could help the Rangers stock up on assets that could help them win in the future as opposed to remaining stuck with a middling lineup. The Rangers are not expected to be a playoff team next year, but will be pulling for a quick turnaround as opposed to a full-scale rebuild.
The 32-year old Trocheck will be on the top of many team’s trade boards for the versatility he provides to the lineup as a complete player who is responsible on both ends of the ice. He is a smart player who would fit in well on any team with playoff hopes.
Star Rangers Forward’s Future in New York Questionable