Rangers Should Keep Trocheck After Dorofeyev Trade

The New York Rangers made a big move, acquiring winger Pavel Dorofeyev from the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday and signing him long term Tuesday. New York has three talented veteran centers, and while Vincent Trocheck is considered a trade candidate, with Dorofeyev now in the mix, it might be wise to hold onto him, at least for the start of the season.

Reason for the Rangers to Be Hopeful

Last season, the Rangers finished with the worst record in the Eastern Conference, just two seasons after winning the Presidents’ Trophy and making a run to the Eastern Conference Final. Many of their top players underperformed or missed extended time with injuries, but the strong play of some of their young players was a bright spot.

The Rangers played better late in the season. Rookie winger Gabe Perreault broke out with nine goals and 10 assists in his final 23 games. Alexis Lafreniere, who slumped offensively in the first half of the season, also broke out in the second half, while the team got steady play from rookies Noah Laba and Matthew Robertson.

One of the reasons the Rangers’ season fell apart was injuries to star defenseman Adam Fox and star goalie Igor Shesterkin. Backup goalie Jonathan Quick struggled when he was forced to start regularly, and the rest of the team couldn’t rally offensively or defensively with both players were out of the lineup. The hope is that both will stay healthy while continuing to be difference-makers this season.

Though the Rangers showed improvement on defense last season, they struggled offensively and could not score consistently. Acquiring Dorofeyev gives them a 25-year-old proven scorer who should be able to contribute both at even strength and on the power play. He had 35 goals and 17 assists in 82 games in 2024-25 and 37 goals and 27 assists in 82 games last season.

Trocheck Can Be a Key Contributor This Season

Though the Rangers announced they were beginning to retool their roster, they did not make any major changes besides trading away Artemi Panarin, who was in the final season of his contract. With the addition of Dorofeyev and the promising play of some of their young players, they could be competitive this season, and Trocheck would help with that.

Trocheck missed time early last season with an upper-body injury, but he provided steady play when he returned. He finished with 16 goals, 37 assists, 49 blocked shots, and 193 hits in 67 games, while winning 56.9 percent of his faceoffs. He has been excellent in the dot and has been one of their top players on the penalty kill throughout his four seasons in New York.

Despite the injury last season, he played in all 82 games in his first three seasons with the Rangers and has been one of their most reliable players. He plays with physicality, gets in on the forecheck, drives to the front of the net, and also provides strong defensive play. Additionally, he stepped up the last time they made the postseason, finishing with eight goals and 12 assists in 20 playoff games in 2023-24.

While Trocheck’s value is very high right now, the Rangers should only move him if they get a return they cannot refuse. He is entering the fifth season of a seven-year, $39.375 million contract, and they could still try to move him ahead of the deadline if they they struggle again this season. If the team has success and is in the playoff race, they should hold on to him, knowing they can trade him after the campaign.

The Rangers Are in a Good Position With Trocheck

In four seasons with the Rangers, Trocheck has been one of the team’s best players, and they can rely on him for strong all-around play if they decide to keep him. With a few promising young prospects and the addition of Dorofeyev, they have an opportunity to be competitive this season. Trocheck is signed through the 2028-29 season, so the Rangers should continue to get great value out of him, and maybe consider a deal at the trade deadline or next offseason.