Report: Maple Leafs have trade interest in Rangers' Vincent Trocheck

The Toronto Maple Leafs have contacted the New York Rangers about veteran center Vincent Trocheck. Trocheck has been discussed for nearly a year as New York looks to retool and attempted to trade him near last March’s deadline without a deal. Trocheck has three seasons remaining at a $5.6 million AAV and includes a 10-team no-trade clause. He can potentially play the “two-hole,” allowing John Tavares to slide to “three.” Trocheck scored 16 goals and 53 points in 67 games, averaged 20:33 of ice time, won 57% of faceoffs, and recorded 193 hits. His physical, two-way style aligns with requests for more bite from Auston Matthews and William Nylander.

"“This wouldn't be a surprise, because we know New York is trying to off the contract of Trocheck,” stated Dreger. “Toronto's amongst the teams that have some interest for sure. And, if you think about it, he's an older guy, can he play the two-hole, and than Tavares slides down to three?”"

"Trocheck, 32, has three seasons left on his contract at a very reasonable $5.6 million AAV, and does own a 10-team no-trade clause. Some question whether or not he'd be open to moving up to Canada to play, and if the Canadian teams are on his no-trade list, but there's also the fact his Olympic captain Auston Matthews is also likely coming back, and the two could be a major part of the team's success moving forward."

"Trocheck appeared in 67 games last season, scoring 16 goals, and finished his year with 53 points. The two-way center averaged 20:33 of ice-time per game, including on both sides of special teams, and won 57% of his faceoffs, while also landing 193 hits. Auston Matthews and William Nylander asked for some bite to the top of the Maple Leafs' lineup during their exit interviews, and adding Trocheck would certainly fit this bill."

"The biggest question of course comes down to Rangers' general manager Chris Drury's asking price, as the Maple Leafs don't necessarily have a closet full of trade assets. It's going to be interesting to watch if Drury wants proven NHL talent or is open to future considerations."

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