A division rival just made a move to keep a key player under contract, and it immediately has a ripple effect on how the New York Rangers move next.
The news out of Columbus is that the Blue Jackets are locking up Charlie Coyle for the next six seasons at a $6 million AAV. On the surface, that’s just another out-of-town signing, but for the Rangers, it’s a total game changer.
For starters, it takes a UFA center target off the board, and in theory, it gives Chris Drury some leverage in trade talks. Vincent Trocheck was kept at the deadline despite everyone thinking he was headed to Minnesota, and this Coyle deal suddenly opens up a world of possibilities. It also includes one that most of us thought was a pipe dream, but could be more real than people might think.
Trocheck's return seems more likely now
With the Letter 2.0 retool in full effect, having Trocheck take up a roster spot next season is a big talking point. The 32-year-old can still compete at a very high level, and he is probably the third-best player on this team on a nightly basis. But his age is going to get in the way whenever this team turns it around, permanently.
Coyle might have been a different option for the Rangers, as he might have been a cheaper option had he wanted a small deal. But, he got a six-year deal that puts him under contract until he is nearly 40-years-old. In comparison to Trocheck's AAV of $5.625 million, they might be better off sticking with No. 16.
There is a very real possibility that Trocheck will just ride out this contract with the Rangers. It might not be the worst thing in the world for that to happen, but the trade rumors will inevitably swirl every February and March through the 2028-29 season.
For 2026-27, the Rangers are going to be using some new faces, possibly from this upcoming draft and from the farm system. Trocheck is going to be an important piece for leadership and experience. If he can continue to compete, with a stat line like the one he had last season, with 53 points (16 goals and 37 assists) in 67 games, let it be.
Coyle's signing in Columbus might have been a smart move for them, but it certainly puts eyeballs on the Trocheck situation this summer. What exactly does Drury do?
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