If you are tracking the NHL trade market this offseason, keep your eyes locked on the New York Rangers and the Los Angeles Kings. Despite initial reports that Vincent Trocheck heavily prefers to stay in the Eastern Conference, the reality of the Rangers’ offseason cap constraints is forcing their hand. New York has been quietly shopping Trocheck after failing to facilitate a move during the regular season, and Los Angeles is emerging as the perfect trade partner.
According to Jonny Lazarus of the Daily Faceoff, a path out West makes incredible sense for Vincent Trocheck and the Los Angeles Kings. But here is the twist that is setting the hockey world on fire: Lazarus notes that Trocheck could be convinced to head to L.A. to play alongside Artemi Panarin and new Kings head coach Peter Laviolette. As an NHL analyst, seeing the Rangers and Kings align for a blockbuster of this magnitude is the exact type of chaos that makes the offseason so thrilling.
Why the Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers Are Perfect Trade Partners
Looking at this from a front-office perspective, the two franchises are heading in opposite directions but their immediate needs align perfectly. The New York Rangers are staring down a complicated salary cap situation and need to clear significant space while re-tooling their asset pool. Trocheck has been an absolute warrior, he was the first guy over the boards in almost every scenario for Laviolette in New York. The mutual respect there is undeniable.
However, the business of hockey is ruthless. With Laviolette and Panarin now on the West Coast, Trocheck waiving any no-trade clauses or geographical preferences becomes a no-brainer. He gets to stay with “his guys” while stepping into a massive role in the Kings’ top-six forward group. The Los Angeles Kings need reliable, gritty, two-way center depth to compete in the heavy Pacific Division, and Trocheck fits that mold flawlessly.
Evaluating the Trade Return: Is Laferriere and a First Enough for Trocheck?
The major sticking point in this potential blockbuster is the return heading back to Manhattan. Lazarus wonders if a package centered around forward Alex Laferriere, an unnamed prospect, and a 1st-round draft pick would be enough to pry Trocheck out of New York.
In my expert opinion, I’m not sure there’s enough in that specific trade return to satisfy the NY Rangers. Trocheck is a premium asset who wins faceoffs, drives possession, and plays on both special teams units. While Alex Laferriere is a promising young player who adds cheap forward depth, and a 1st-round pick provides vital draft capital, the Rangers want a ransome for Trocheck. They need a return that either offers a blue-chip prospect like Henry Brzustewicz, along with a first and Laferriere. General Manager Chris Drury will accept no less to truly make this deal a reality.
Vincent Trocheck Career NHL Stats
| Type | GP | G | A | P | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 868 | 239 | 392 | 631 | -5 |
| Playoffs | 56 | 17 | 20 | 37 | 14 |
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