The idea of Vincent Trocheck being traded this summer is starting to feel more real, especially with him even hinting at it on social media, and the first question that usually comes to mind for fans is "how will the Rangers replace him?" The question is a valid one, but in some respects, it's already been answered. It felt like Trocheck was going to be moved at the NHL trade deadline, and the Rangers were prepared for that with their roster deployment.
Rangers existing depth chart without Trocheck
Despite spending some time on the wing, Mika Zibanejad returned to top form this past season as the team's No. 1 center. He looked more confident as the season progressed, and he was part of an impressive top line trio that include Alexis Lafrenière and rookie Gabe Perreault.
J.T. Miller, like Zibanejad, spent time between center and the wing for the Rangers. Miller has felt more comfortable down the middle, and assuming he's able to stay healthy to start the season, he's more than capable of serving as the team's No. 2 center. The 2025-26 campaign was a disappointing one for Miller, largely derailed by injuries, but his short stint after being acquired from Vancouver during the 2024-25 season is enough to inspire confidence that he can have an impact in a reduced role.
Noah Laba finished his rookie season with the Rangers by tallying a line of nine goals, 15 assists, and 24 points in 74 games, and it was a solid performance in what was the most games he'd played in a single season as a hockey player. The month of March was his most productive with six points in 11 games, and he certainly benefited from the rest he gained during the Olympic break. He started the season as the team's No. 4 center, and he gradually gained more trust as the season progressed.
While it could be risky to expect more out of Laba, the Rangers will need him to continue to progress if they want the Letter 2.0 retool to be successful. He started playing on the third line later in the season, and creating an opportunity for him to play in that role and excel makes a ton of sense.
Trocheck's "replacement" could be a year or two away
The true answer to replacing Trocheck, in my opinion, doesn't involve him at all. The Rangers ideally need a better top line center than Zibanejad, and someone who can join the team and potentially push everyone down a rung. Zibanejad has proved himself to be a capable No. 1 center again, but in the coming years he may end up being better suited for No. 2 minutes.
That could then see Miller move back to the wing, or worst case, he is the No. 3 center. If that happens to make Laba a super No. 4 center, so be it. As for the names the Rangers could be keeping an eye on, one would imagine they will continue to keep an eye on Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews as they both figure out what their immediate future could look like.
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