The New York Rangers were unsuccessful in trading Vincent Trocheck at this year's deadline, primarily because the team's former center only had a few places he was willing to go. Many thought that Trocheck would ultimately end up in Minnesota, but the Wild never offered a package that was in line with how President and General Manager Chris Drury valued him.
Dylan Larkin's availability this summer made it harder than the Rangers thought it would be to move Trocheck, but they eventually were able to finalize a deal with the Utah Mammoth. This move came months after Trocheck blocked a trade, and one of the newest members of the Mammoth has finally shed some light on what caused the change of heart.
Trocheck encouraged by potential of young team, ownership
During his first availability with the Mammoth, Trocheck was asked about his decision to move his NTC, and he was quick to praise the strides the organization has taken in recent years. Trocheck said, "it was just going to a team that I think can win was the most important thing for me."
This checks out, because Trocheck was very consistent about that earlier in the year. Prior to the deadline, Trocheck remarked, "I am 32 years old. I would like to win a Stanley Cup. So if I am going to get traded I would like to go to a team that's winning or has a chance to win."
Utah was originally one of the teams Trocheck didn't want to join, but he obviously softened his stance about going out West. One of the reason for that is the youth of the team and what they are building. It also helps that Trocheck has some familiarity with one of the Mammoth's top players Logan Cooley.
Trocheck explains how excited he & Cooley are to play together:
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) July 10, 2026
“We were talking about it for a couple weeks leading up to it…he was texting me every day…asking me what was going on.”
“We’d always fantasize about what it would be like to play together.” pic.twitter.com/Dm3st5PeA7
Trocheck is also encouraged by ownership, and specifically how Ryan Smith treats the players in the organization.
Trocheck explains why he took Utah off his no trade clause:
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) July 10, 2026
“Going to a team that I think can win was the most important thing for me.”
“Talking to a lot of the players…the way Ryan treats the players…how awesome it is here.” pic.twitter.com/aln4reRfEx
Rangers were able to do right by a good veteran, and are encouraged about future
Ultimately it is beneficial for both Trocheck and the Rangers that a deal was worked out. Trocheck sounds very happy about his new situation, and he deserved to land in a decent spot given the important contributions he gave the Rangers.
Up to this point he's appeared in 868 NHL games, and he spent 313 of them with the Rangers. Trocheck finished his Blueshirts tenure with 89 goals, 164 assists, and 253 points, and his 0.81 points per game average is better than the 0.71 he averaged with Carolina, and the 0.67 he had with the Florida Panthers.
On the Rangers front, Sean Durzi gives the Rangers a much needed upgrade on the right side, and Cole Beaudoin is an interesting center prospect with upside. He will likely start the season with Hartford, but there's always the chance he has a strong camp and forces the Rangers' hand. Trocheck's first availability with Utah in a way closes the loop on this move for now, although I am certain fans will reflect on it later on once the season has started and Trocheck eventually returns back to Madison Square Garden for the first time as a visitor following the trade.
Add us as a preferred source on Google