The next batch of NHL trade rumors has begun to kick up now that the Olympics are officially over. In particular, the latest round of chatter has focused on newly-minted gold-medalist Vincent Trocheck.
While Trocheck rumors are hardly anything new, it seems the chatter has gained considerable steam over the last couple of days. According to a new report in RG Media by veteran journalist James Murphy, Trocheck could be heading west.
That’s a bit contradictory statement considering that previous NHL trade rumors suggested that Trocheck said he wanted to stay in the East. But as Murphy reported, the frontrunners to land Trocheck are the Minnesota Wild.
Again, that’s nothing new. But the chatter does make sense based on the relationship that Trocheck likely developed with Team USA GM Bill Guerin. It’s worth pointing out that Guerin is also GM of the Wild. Plus, the camaraderie with other Wild players like Quinn Hughes, Matt Boldy, and Brock Faber could further fuel the connection to Minnesota.
As one anonymous source told Murphy, Trocheck could be on his way out as soon as he wants to.
“If Trocheck wants, he will be on another team by the deadline.”
Murphy’s source added that if Trocheck is willing to waive his no-trade clause for one of the teams Rangers GM Chris Drury has been talking to, a deal could happen at the drop of a hat.
“If he’s willing to waive to one of the group of teams that’s been calling [Chris] Drury on him, I’d say he’s dealt next weekend.”
That’s an interesting comment since Trocheck only has a 12-team no-trade clause. NHL trade rumors suggest that the teams most interested in Trocheck are likely those on his no-trade list.
Source Reveals Return for Trocheck in Deal with Wild
Murphy’s sources also revealed the potential return for Trocheck. Unlike the botched Artemi Panarin trade, the talk is that the Rangers will want to get something meaningful for Trocheck. However, it seems the return could be equally underwhelming.
“You’re looking at Charlie Stramel and maybe their 2027 first or second-round pick.”
It’s interesting to see Charlie Stramel’s name in NHL trade rumors. He was the Wild’s first-round pick in 2023. Stramel is currently in the NCAA playing for Michigan State. He’s got 19 goals and 40 points in 30 games thus far. However, Stramel is unlikely to impact the NHL any time soon. If anything, he could turn pro next season and head to the AHL for more seasoning.
Meanwhile, anything short of a first-round pick would be a colossal failure. Otherwise, NHL trade rumors indicating the Rangers failing to cash in could come true once again.
NHL Trade Rumors Could Really Pick Up in Coming Days
With NHL rosters now officially unfrozen, the chatter could really pick up in the coming days. While Trocheck and his Team USA teammates are still likely celebrating the historic victory, the business of hockey continues to grind.
That situation could mean that NHL trade rumors involving Trocheck could really gain steam in the next few days. It wouldn’t be surprising to hear Trocheck’s name bouncing around as the Rangers look to get a deal over the line ahead of the March 6 NHL trade deadline.
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