With under a month until the NHL trade deadline arrives, Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman has his work cut out in terms of making up for missed swings. The good news is, he has a perfect opportunity to do that before the clock runs out.
Twice the Red Wings have been rumored to be in on a star player and both times they struck out. Quinn Hughes reportedly wanted to come to Detroit but the Minnesota Wild swooped in first, and Artemi Panarin was shipped off to the Kings before the Olympic break.
If one thing is evident, it's that Yzerman needs to make a move by March 6th to bolster their roster. It has already been reported that Yzerman is prioritizing acquiring a No. 2 center, but the catch is they must be under contract beyond this season.
There is one player who fits the bill, and that's New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, a player Yzerman pursued during free agency in 2022.
Vincent Trocheck should be the Red Wings' top target at the trade deadline
There was a bit of an issue earlier in the season where it was hard to see who would be sellers at the trade deadline, given that the majority of the league were in playoff position. But now, the playoff field is less crowded. That's why the Rangers, who were in free fall since after the Winter Classic decided to enter sell mode. First to be traded was defenseman Carson Soucy, being traded to the rival Islanders. Next up was Artemi Panarin, who used his full no-trade clause to force a trade to the Los Angeles Kings. Trocheck is believed to be next up on the Rangers' retool plans.
Trocheck fits the bill for what the Red Wings need — a second line center that is under contract beyond this season. Trocheck is on a relatively affordable deal, as he earns a $5.6 million annual salary through the 2028-29 season. So the Red Wings would be bringing in some stability to their top six forward group.
Trocheck isn't the only center near the top of the trade market. There is also Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames. Kadri does provide name-value, given his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs and after winning a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022. Not to mention, he can score, as evidenced by putting up a career-high 35 goals last season with Calgary.
While Kadri could be an appealing option, Trocheck does offer more in terms of defense and face-off ability. Trocheck has shown to be a pain in the face-off circle, given his ability to use low leverage against his opponent. This season alone, he has a 56.5 face-off percentage, as opposed to 48.9 percent. In their careers, Trocheck has a 54.2 face-off percentage, as compared to Kadri's 48.7. Plus, Kadri does come at a more expensive price tag, as he's owed $7 million per yer through the 2028-29 season.
This season, Trocheck has 12 goals and 24 assists to his credit through 43 games.
Since Yzerman is only looking for players with term, that means he will have to part ways with a significant return to assure the team's needs are filled. That means they will have to move on from some of their younger players, whether that's in the minor leagues or those currently on the roster. Trocheck is going to be a popular player leading up to the trade deadline, especially with other playoff contenders seeking centers.
If the Red Wings want to shore up their forward group to make their push into the playoffs, Trocheck should be their priority.