The Minnesota Wild are looking for an upgrade at center by the NHL trade deadline. After trading for defenseman Quinn Hughes, the Wild hope to complete their roster to make a big push at the Stanley Cup. Now, Minnesota is being linked to a big trade of the Olympic gold medalist to Team USA.
Minnesota is still in pursuit of New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, reports Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet on TNT. Trocheck, who was part of the Olympic gold medal team for the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, is the main focus of New York’s trade deadline plans.
The 32-year-old center has 12 goals and 38 points in 45 games with New York this season. Despite New York’s struggles, Trocheck is still performing at an elite level, especially on the power play. Trocheck is a top-six option for a Stanley Cup-caliber team, and Minnesota would be a perfect fit.
Hughes, along with Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy and Brock Faber, have the Wild poised for big performances in the Western Conference. The Minnesota trade for Trocheck would officially solidify their place among Stanley Cup contending teams. Currently, the Wild are in third place in the Central Division with 80 points.
Trocheck is under contract for the 2028–29 NHL season with a $5.625 million cap hit. The 32-year-old center is still performing at a high level, and his cap hit is good for teams to acquire. Minnesota has been searching for an elite center since December, and Trocheck would check the box.
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