Team USA injury opens the door for one Rangers standout to join the Olympic roster

With the Christmas break right around the corner, there is just one more game against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday to get through. There was a bit of a devastating injury that just occurred to the New York Rangers captain, J.T. Miller, that might sideline him for one of the biggest hockey events of all time. the Olympics.

Fear not Team USA fans, there is one more player that could be used to replace Miller, a player who represented them at the 4 Nations Face-Off, and was looked to be a top contender for the Olympic roster. Should he stay on injured reserve longer than expected to, and have to miss the Olympic Games, there is a teammate of his that could jump in and replace him.

That would be Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native, Vincent Trocheck.

Miller out, Trocheck in?

You can use that for both the Olympic Games coming up in February and for the current status of the Rangers. There are a couple of players who can step up and fill the void left by the captain, but only Trocheck is skilled enough to do it.

The Rangers have had a rough season, with a ton of ups and downs. Injuries have been at the center of the demise, like star defenseman Adam Fox, and enforcer Matt Rempe, to name a very small few. Rempe is back now, but Fox is still far off from rejoining this team.

Miller now joins that list, and it is another hindrance. Trocheck is going to have to pull out all the stops to try and replicate his captain's aura, whilst also bringing what he has to the table. It is a tall order, but the Rangers are in desperate need of help right now. The Metropolitan Division is still a tight race, as this team is still within three points of a playoff spot, and seven points from being the leader of the Division.

Right now, this recent hit with Miller going down is going to sting. But, Trocheck can make himself a valuable asset for the Rangers and for the United States at the Olympics. That would be an interesting swap, should it happen.