‘It’s a huge honor’: Vincent Trocheck reacts to NHL All-Star nod amid big Rangers season
Vincent Trocheck had to change his plans for the NHL All-Star break next week. But the New York Rangers center is not upset that he’s headed to Toronto to take part in the 2024 NHL All-Star Weekend and still plans on enjoying time with his family.
Trocheck was added to the All-Star roster Monday along with Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor. They replace injured forwards Connor Bedard (Chicago Blackhawks) and Jack Eichel (Vegas Golden Knights).
“We had to modify a few (plans),” Trocheck said after the Blueshirts’ morning skate in San Jose on Tuesday.
“I’m excited, obviously. It’s a huge honor and something I’m looking forward to share with my family.”
All-Star Weekend will be family event for Vincent Trocheck
Trocheck didn’t say what family plans needed to be modified. But the 30-year-old did say his wife and two sons, Leo and Lennon, will accompany him to Toronto for the festivities Feb 1-3. Trocheck’s parents and in-laws will be there, too.
“I think that’s No. 1 for me. My son (Leo) is five years old, huge hockey fan and talks about playing with the All-Stars on his video games all the time, so I’m kind of most excited for him to witness this,” Trocheck explained. “For him to see me in an All-Star Game is the coolest thing for me.”
This will be the second All-Star Game for Trocheck in his 11-year NHL career. He represented the Florida Panthers in 2017 and had four points (one goal, three assists) for Team Atlantic.
That’s not what he remembers most about the game, which was played in Los Angeles.
“Snoop Dogg performed on the ice, that was my highlight,” Trocheck said with a big smile.
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Vincent Trocheck on track for best NHL season with Rangers
There’s been plenty of reason to smile this season for Trocheck, who’s on pace to establish an NHL career high in points. He has 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) in 46 games, tied for second on the Rangers. He also leads the NHL winning 62.0 percent of his face-offs (minimum 650 face-offs). He had 75 points with the Panthers in 2017-18.
Trocheck has stepped up in a major way, moving onto the second line and flourishing with linemates Artemi Panarin and Alex Lafreniere after center Filip Chytil sustained an upper-body injury Nov. 2.
Chytil returned to New York on Monday after spending three weeks in Czechia for a “reset” in his rehab. He has played 10 games this season.
Trocheck will be joined at the All-Star Weekend by Rangers teammate Igor Shesterkin.
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