According to some inside sources, the Montreal Canadiens have inquired about the acquisition cost of New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck.
Pierre LeBrun believes the Canadiens have spoken to the Rangers, although we should note that this is far from a report, as he mentioned that he “thinks” the Habs have been somewhat active in this dossier.
Pierre LeBrun: I think the Canadiens have checked in with the Rangers on Vincent Trocheck, although it could be a huge haul - Melnyk in the Afternoon (3/4)
- NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumourReport) 5 March 2026
potential impact
Given that the Habs have shown interest in trading for Robert Thomas, a deal that would obviously improve the roster while ignoring some more pressing needs, it makes sense that they have done their due diligence regarding other available centers, including Trocheck and Nazem Kadri.
Darren Dreger: If Robert Thomas doesn't move on most people think Vinny Trocheck is going to be the second rung on that ladder, and then you get to Nazem Kadri - Barn Burner (3/4).
- NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumourReport) 5 March 2026
The 32-year-old Trocheck doesn't fit the Canadiens' ideal age bracket, but it should be noted that he has managed to maintain a very respectable level of play for a skater who is on the wrong side of 30.
He is in the fourth year of a seven-year contract with an annual average value of $5.625 million, and he will be 35 when it expires in 2029.
For your buck, this is a good value deal, especially when we consider Trocheck is on pace to score 18 goals and 40 assists in 68 games. To make matters even more interesting, he has produced fantastic underlying numbers on a depleted Rangers roster, a testament to his ability to stave off the usual statistical decline that tends to take over at his age.
Trocheck is also excellent at the faceoff dot, winning over 58% of his draws this season, an asset that will certainly interest a head coach like Martin St-Louis.
In that vein, Trocheck would project as a significant upgrade over current second-line center Oliver Kapanen.
Montreal Canadiens Brass Tacks
Like a potential Thomas trade, this deal would ignore the most significant issues in the organization, which are a lack of goaltending excellence and questionable defensive coverage.
And then there is the matter of acquisition costs, which are expected to be exorbitant.
Chris Johnston: Ray Vincent Trocheck: The question now is still being considered a little too rich for some contenders - Insider Trading (3/5)
- NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumourReport) 5 March 2026
However, Vincent Trocheck checks almost every box for the Habs, except his age. There is also the issue of his lack of discipline, which will be further exacerbated by playing for a team that has already struggled with indiscipline for a few seasons now.
If the Canadiens were just one center away from being legitimate Stanley Cup contenders, this is the type of trade that would be considered a slam dunk, even if he is much older than most of the players Hughes acquired.
But the Habs aren't at that point yet, making this a potential trade that would generate a certain amount of legitimate excitement while ignoring some major roster construction problems.
