Austin Konenski
The Minnesota Wild are looking for upgrades at center going into the NHL trade deadline. After trading for defenseman Quinn Hughes, the Wild hope to round out their roster for a major push at the Stanley Cup. Now, Minnesota is being linked to a big trade for an Olympic gold medalist for Team USA.
Minnesota is still in the hunt for New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, as reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on TNT. Trocheck, who was a 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 on an elite level, specifically during power plays. Trocheck is a top-six option for a Stanley Cup-caliber team, and Minnesota would be a great fit.
With Hughes, Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, and Brock Faber, the Wild are prepared for a big run in Western Conference. Minnesota trading for Trocheck would officially solidify its place among the Stanley Cup contending teams. As of now, the Wild sit third in the Central Division with 80 points.
Trocheck is under contract through 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 acquiring teams. Minnesota has been searching for an elite center since December, and Trocheck would check the box.
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