Brady Skjei Trade for Vincent Trocheck solves both Rangers and Panthers needs
Elliotte Friedman dropped a new name last night and it’s Florida’s 26 year old centerman Vincent Trocheck. A player the Rangers had rumored interest in a few years ago. Looking at what both the Rangers and Panthers need from a roster perspective, a trade between these two teams starts to line up.
Florida Looking for Defense
Vincent Trocheck has 2 years left on his deal at $4.75M. He only has 32 points in 51 games this season, but many people remember his 31 goals and 75 point campaign in 2017-2018. Friedman is right when he says there will be plenty of interest in him and the Rangers could be that team. Florida’s GM Dave Tallon in early February stated exactly what he wants at the deadline.
“I’d like to acquire a veteran D if I could to play with Ekblad and settle things down a bit back there,” Tallon said. “We need to be more consistent on the blue line.”
NHL.com
Aaron Ekblad is their top defenseman who plays the right side, so naturally a left handed blue-liner to play the opposite would be ideal. Enter the name Brady Skjei.
Rangers Need Centers
The New York Rangers are looking for centers and Vincent Trocheck is a perfect fit. He is also gives the team insurance with Strome who’s an RFA this summer, and flexibility to put Filip Chytil on the wing where he can use his massive size to make plays. It strengthens them down the middle and improves their top 9. All things the Rangers are looking to accomplish.
New York also has one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL. That is evident when looking at defensemen who play the left side. Currently Ryan Lindgren has cemented his spot as one of the team’s top defenders. Waiting in the wings is blue chip prospect K’Andre Miller who should push for a spot next season at camp. Throw in prospects Libor Hajek, Yegor Rykov, Tarmo Reunanen, and Zac Jones and the Rangers are set on the left side for years to come.
Skjei is only 25 years old and has 22 points in 56 games. Offensively his numbers are decent. Couple that with a nice cost controlled contract until 2024 at an AAV of only $5.25M and teams would love to have him. However the window to trade him without restriction ends after next season when his modified no trade clause kicks in. The buzz has the Rangers willing to explore moving him, and now could be the perfect alignment of the stars to make it happen.
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