After the Artemi Panarin Trade, This Rangers Star Could Be the Next to Move
The New York Rangers’ trade of Artemi Panarin may have closed one chapter, but it could mark the beginning of a broader roster overhaul under general manager Chris Drury. With the Panarin trade now completed, there are indications that another prominent Rangers player could soon follow suit.
Panarin, who had been a cornerstone of the Rangers for seven seasons, was traded to the Los Angeles Kings last Wednesday. In return, New York received forward prospect Liam Greentree and two conditional draft picks. This move came just after defenseman Carson Soucy was sent to the rival New York Islanders, making Panarin and Soucy the first significant departures ahead of the March 6 trade deadline. Both trades occurred before the Milan-Cortina Olympic roster freeze, after which trades will be allowed again starting February 23.
With the Rangers currently languishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings—30th overall in the NHL—there is every reason to expect a flurry of activity in the 12 days following the freeze. The team appears poised to make more moves as part of its ongoing “retooling” process.
One of the next players who could be moved is Vincent Trocheck, Panarin’s longtime linemate. Chris Johnston of The Athletic had released a trade board prior to Panarin’s departure, and Trocheck was listed as the second most likely Ranger to be traded, just behind Panarin. At 34 years old, Panarin topped the list, but Trocheck’s status makes him a prime candidate for a deal.
Johnston described Trocheck as “a center who impacts the game on both ends of the ice,” noting that his performance earned him a spot on Team USA for the Milan-Cortina Olympics. Known for his grit, determination, and versatility, Trocheck can handle difficult minutes in all situations and is considered a key leader in the Rangers locker room. His contract does include a 12-team no-trade list, which could affect potential destinations, but his value on the trade market remains high.
Currently in his 12th NHL season, the 32-year-old Trocheck is tied with J.T. Miller for third on the Rangers with 36 points. He averages 0.82 points per game and has scored more than 20 goals in each of his first three seasons with New York. While he could easily fit as a third-line center on a deep, Stanley Cup-contending team, his history shows he can be a top-six pivot. Playing alongside Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere, Trocheck notched 77 regular-season points and added 20 more in 16 playoff games during the 2023-24 season, helping the Rangers capture the Presidents’ Trophy and come within two wins of reaching the Stanley Cup Final.
Trocheck is signed for three more seasons at a reasonable $5.625 million AAV. Beyond his regular-season contributions, he has proven himself in the playoffs, with 17 goals and 37 points in 56 postseason games, averaging 0.91 points per game. This makes him far more than a short-term rental; he could serve as a cornerstone in a significant trade package to acquire valuable prospects and draft picks from contenders such as the Tampa Bay Lightning or Carolina Hurricanes. While the thought of aiding a direct competitor might upset some fans, history shows that Trocheck has been traded to Carolina before, when the Florida Panthers sent him to Raleigh in 2020.
Alternatively, the Rangers could target young, rising teams like the Buffalo Sabres or San Jose Sharks. Trocheck’s combination of skill and veteran leadership would immediately boost either team’s offense. For the Sabres, a team reportedly hesitant to extend pending unrestricted free agent Alex Tuch, Trocheck could fill the role of a second-line center. A trade could focus on prospects and young NHL-ready talent, rather than established stars, to ensure long-term benefit for New York.
San Jose, meanwhile, has reportedly shown interest in defenseman Braden Schneider and pending UFA Mario Ferraro. If the Rangers could secure Ferraro to an extension and package Trocheck with Schneider, they might extract a substantial return of young assets to accelerate their retool. Of course, whether Schneider is included depends on his perceived future role in the Rangers’ core at just 24 years old.
The Los Angeles Kings also present a logical destination, needing a center to fill the void left by Anze Kopitar’s impending retirement. Trocheck’s previous chemistry with Panarin could make him an attractive addition.
In short, Trocheck possesses considerable value to virtually any team seeking a proven, versatile center. If Chris Drury navigates the market wisely, the Rangers could secure a significant haul of prospects and picks, giving the team a strong foundation for the next phase of its rebuild.
