Vincent Trocheck still uncertain about future with Rangers with season over

The New York Rangers are officially in offseason mode after their 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday. Even with a promising final month or so of the season, the Rangers still finished last in the Eastern Conference, just one point worse than the Toronto Maple Leafs. Now, fans are waiting to see what their next steps are in their retool.

Before the March 6 trade deadline, the Rangers floated veteran center Vincent Trocheck. He was among the top targets, due in part to his offensive production, his work on the penalty kill, and the fact that he is under contract for the next three seasons at a relatively affordable price. Even with interest from the Minnesota Wild and Detroit Red Wings, the Rangers kept Trocheck, as general manager Chris Drury had a high asking price for him. That put the pause button on trade talks until the offseason.

While speaking with reporters on Friday, Trocheck was asked about his future with the Rangers, and the veteran still expressed uncertainty. Trocheck said "I don't know what's going to happen." Trocheck also said he spoke with Drury already after the season ended, but it had nothing to do with a potential trade.

"I talked to Drury already yesterday, not really about that," said Trocheck. "Like I said a couple of times, me and him have a good line of communication, so we'll be in contact."

Vincent Trocheck still unsure about future with Ranges as trade potential looms

This will be a huge talking point for the offseason. Does Trocheck stay on board? Or will he be more open to being traded elsewhere?

Trocheck was asked about the direction of the team and what he wanted to see. Trocheck said that the direction of the team is important, but did say he wants to win, and missing out on the playoffs the past two years "sucks."

"I'm a competitive guy. I don't like to lose. We're not used to this situation, being out of the playoffs two years in a row. Not making the playoffs sucks. You want to see the team heading in the direction where we're going to contend."

If the Rangers are committing to a retool, Trocheck could help them in terms of help. The thing is, Drury wants young, NHL ready players in return. Teams might be hesitant in doing so. They obviously were not ready to cave to Drury's demands. But given the outlook of free agency, the options at center are not great. So that could potentially drive up the price on Trocheck, who provides value on the scoreboard, in the face-off circle, and on the penalty kill.

Yet, given the Rangers' play towards the end of the season, one has to wonder if they could have been in better standing had they called up their prospects like Adam Sykora, Dylan Garand, and Drew Fortescue earlier in the season. One has to wonder if Drury and head coach Mike Sullivan would opt to run it back for the most part, with some minor additions and a top five prospect in the draft.

This offseason will be one worth following for Rangers fans to see if they are heading in the right direction or not. Given Trocheck's comments, it's not a given he will be a part of the retool.

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