The New York Rangers, after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals twice in three years, have experienced a disappointing 2025-26 season. Currently sitting at the bottom of the conference, the team’s poor performance has forced general manager Chris Drury to prepare fans for a rebuilding phase. This challenging situation has already led to the sale of star winger Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings, signaling a shift in team strategy.
Vincent Trocheck Could Be Next Veteran to Be Traded
According to TSN hockey insider Chris Johnston on Edmonton Sports Talk’s The Nielson Show, Vincent Trocheck may be the next significant player on the move. Johnston commented on the team’s direction, stating,
“I mean, I just think you don’t hire Mike Sullivan, frankly, last summer and spend all the money you did on him expecting to be here. So, you know, the short-term answer to the question is I still think, you know, Vincent Trocheck is likely to be dealt. They have some other players that they’ll see what their value is, but I don’t know how you move forward with what definitely seems like a very disappointed dressing room, because you’re not trading all those players away. At least not right now.”
Contract Details and Trade Implications
Trocheck, 32, is in the fourth year of a seven-year contract signed before the 2022-23 season. Unlike Panarin, who had a no-movement clause restricting where he could be traded and limited the Rangers’ return value, Trocheck holds a modified no-trade clause listing 12 teams where he cannot be sent. This detail means he is unlikely to be a rental player; instead, he could be part of a longer-term plan for whichever team acquires him.
Trocheck’s Role on the Current Team
Despite the team’s struggles, Trocheck has remained one of the Rangers’ top contributors. With 12 goals and 24 assists this season, he ranks tied for third in team points and currently takes second place since Panarin’s departure. His continued productivity makes him a valuable asset in any potential trade scenario.
Outlook for the Rangers and Trocheck
The Rangers hold a 22-29-6 record and trail playoff contention by 19 points, making a playoff push unlikely this season. Trocheck’s future with the team appears limited to the coming weeks, as a trade now seems inevitable. The timing and destination of such a move remain uncertain but will be closely watched by fans and analysts, marking a pivotal moment in the Rangers’ ongoing efforts to reshape their roster.
