The NHL's season is currently on pause with the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics ongoing, but that doesn't mean the rumor mill isn't still churning and burning. The New York Rangers complete one high profile transaction prior to the Olympic roster freeze when Artemi Panarin was shipped to Los Angeles. Their next big move is one that continues to be full of intrigue and speculation, and it feels like the player in question is in on the joke.
Vincent Trocheck pokes fun at trade rumors during Olympic picture day
Monday is picture day at the Olympics, and Team USA assembled for a series of official photos. There were pictures with the full squad, some dedicated to those who previously played for Team USA's National Team Development program, some brother shoots with the Hughes, and Tkachuks, and then photos for NHL teams that had multiple players representing them.
When it came time for the Minnesota Wild's shoot, current Ranger Vincent Trocheck made it seem like he was going to join the photo, a playful nod to the trade rumors which suggest he could be heading to the Western Conference once the trade freeze is lifted.
There's been no shortage of reporters talking about how Trocheck could be a fit for the Wild given their need to add a center, and the fact that Bill Guerin is the GM of both the Wild and Team USA adds a wrinkle to the situation. Chris Drury and Mike Sullivan are also in Milan with Team USA, and if a trade were to be made officially shortly after the Olympics are over, I don't think anyone would be all that surprised.
Trocheck expected to be a top piece on trade market
Trocheck has three years left on his contract after this season, and he has a pretty reasonable cap hit of just $5.625 million. Trocheck joined the Rangers in free agency ahead of the 2022-23 season, and since putting on a Blueshirt he scored 85 goals and added 151 assists for 236 points in 289 games (0.82 points per game). His time in New York has been the most productive of his career, and he was a vital contributor for the Rangers during their last playoff appearance by tallying a line of 8-12-20 in 16 games averaging 23:08 per night. When you add in the fact that he's one of the league's best at the faceoff dot, it is easy to see why a retooling team like the Rangers will try and sell high on him.