The importance of Vincent Trocheck's role for the near future

If there was a song that described the New York Rangers from November to February, it would have been Tantric's Down and Out. The lack of skill, grit, and everything in between was deflating for Blueshirts fans everywhere. There might be no worse feeling than seeing your team play meaningless hockey when they should be in contention for a playoff spot. This would eventually lead to New York missing out on the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second consecutive season.

Since the Rangers were mathematically eliminated, we have seen prospects live out their childhood dreams and receive the call of a lifetime. Players like Adam Sýkora, Drew Fortescue, and Dylan Garand, who have been in the system, have finally reached the pinnacle. Yet, in a time where all of the focus is on the young Blueshirts, it could end up being one of the elder statesmen who can help turn this team around. As one of the league's best centermen with an attractive contract, here is why Vincent Trocheck needs to stick around as the young core begins to flourish before our eyes.

Grit and Leadership

A well-balanced hockey team should consist of both fast, energetic young stars and veterans who have been there before. When you look at the past Stanley Cup winners (Florida, Colorado, Tampa Bay), their squads were exactly that. After GM Chris Drury traded Jacob Trouba, Chris Kreider, and Artemi Panarin, it was clear that some of New York's current core had to stay for the team to succeed during a "retool."

The two obvious choices were Mika Zibanejad and Igor Shesterkin due to the two being locked up long-term. It is also pretty certain that both Adam Fox and JT Miller are in it for the long haul, as well. The question mark has to be Vincent Trocheck. While only making $5.625M annually for the next three years, Trocheck was a hot commodity in trade talks during this past deadline. Teams like the Minnesota Wild and the Washington Capitals were interested in the 32-year-old Pittsburgh native. To the surprise, Trocheck stayed in New York.

If this team wants to contend anytime soon, Trocheck needs to stay and become a mentor to the younger Blueshirts. Someone like the previously mentioned Sýkora could learn a lot from Trocheck as both play a similar, tenacious, in-your-face style of hockey. If they really wanted to resurrect the "NO BS" mentality from this past summer, then Trocheck is your guy.

New York's frightening future at the center position

There is no beating around the bush here: the Rangers lack quality centermen in their farm system. Sure, forwards like Liam Greentree and Nathan Aspinall are going to excite fans for the next few years, but can any of these guys win a draw? New York's top center prospect is Mikkel Eriksen, a 2025 fourth-round draft pick. For an organization that has a surplus of wingers, it is time for New York to start drafting talent down the middle in the early rounds for crying out loud.

The lack of quality centermen is scary, which is another reason Drury has to find a way to keep Trocheck. Once he goes, it is a major step back from what is being called a retool. It would no longer be a retool; it would become a reset. If this run of meaningless games can shed any light, it is that the combination of the kids plus the vets with an addition via free agency or trade can turn into what the New York Rangers once were: a playoff mainstay.