Speculation has hit a new all-time high regarding the New York Rangers’ impending “retool.” One of the rumors hitting the mill is Artemi Panarin heading to the Minnesota Wild. The potential connection between Panarin and fellow Russian star Kirill Kaprizov is there.
However, that’s not the most plausible outcome. As the backchannels would have it, the Wild are looking to pull the trigger on a deal with the Rangers. But it won’t be for Panarin. The Rangers forward that the Wild have their sights set on is Vincent Trocheck.
In a January 18 piece, insider Marco D’Amico revealed a conversation with an anonymous NHL source. The source in question discussed the Rangers' plans to move several players, including Panarin, Trocheck, and defenseman Carson Soucy.
But it’s Trocheck who’s gotten special attention from two clubs. The LA Kings and the Wild, who need another center, are the clubs in hot pursuit. The source stated:
“I know there has been some interest in him. He’d be the perfect 2C on a contending team at a really good salary. If the Rangers get a big offer for him, which I’d expect to happen, Chris is going to have to think long and hard.”
The talk around the league has been that the Wild are not done after swinging for the fences with Quinn Hughes. If anything, Wild GM Bill Guerin may have one more blockbuster up his sleeve.
The source continued:
“Everyone knows the Kings and Wild need another center, and Trocheck would fit well with what Bill Guerin has built in Minnesota. They’d look good enough to go up against Colorado, and that’s why they’d show interest. Guerin knows him well from running Team USA, so you know they’ll want in.”
Ultimately, the Wild’s focus is to build a team that can compete against the Colorado Avalanche. Adding Trocheck would move the Wild a step closer in that direction. The deal, however, does hinge on Trocheck’s 12-team no-trade clause.
The Wild hope that they are not on said list. Avoiding the list would make things much easier for Bill Guerin to pry Trocheck from the Rangers.
Wild would have to wow Rangers with Trocheck offer
The biggest question, beyond the no-trade clause itself, is the return the Rangers could get for Trocheck. Since the Blueshirts are retooling, you would have to think they’d want younger players and draft picks. A combination would do just fine.
However, the Wild may not have all that much dry power left following the Hughes trade. The Wild could commit their 2027 first-round pick. They also have two 2026 fifth-rounders.
Additionally, one of the names out there is Danila Yurov. The 22-year-old rookie is a former first-round pick from the 2022 NHL Draft. He’s been playing in the Wild’s top-six this season, racking up seven goals and 19 points in 44 games. He’s clearly not ready for prime time yet, but could be in the not-too-distant future.
The Wild may also be willing to part with one of their younger defensemen, like David Jiricek or David Spacek. Assuming a first-rounder, Yurov, a mid-round pick, and another prospect head to New York, that return would be fantastic for the Rangers.
Ultimately, it all depends on whether another club doesn’t step in and make an offer the Rangers cannot refuse.