Rangers' Vincent Trocheck Linked to Central Division Contender

Minnesota Wild reportedly interested in acquiring veteran center from struggling New York Rangers

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Amid the New York Rangers' rough 2025-26 season, rumors are circulating that veteran center Vincent Trocheck could join the Minnesota Wild, a playoff contender in the Central Division. The Rangers appear to be exploring options for Trocheck, who signed a seven-year, $39.3 million deal with New York before the 2022-23 season. Minnesota is aiming to make a stronger playoff push after acquiring Quinn Hughes and is likely looking to add a center to compete with the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche.

Why it matters

This potential trade would provide a boost to the Minnesota Wild's center depth as they look to make a deeper playoff run, while the Rangers continue to retool their roster amid a disappointing season. Trocheck's strong two-way play and faceoff ability would be valuable assets for the Wild.

The details

Trocheck signed a seven-year, $39.3 million deal with the Rangers before the 2022-23 season, which included a full no-movement clause for the first three years. Starting with the 2025-26 season, that clause became a modified no-trade clause, allowing him to block trades to 12 teams. The list will shrink to 10 teams next season and six for the final two years of his contract. However, it appears the Rangers won't wait that long to make a move. Minnesota is aiming to add a top-six center to complement Joel Eriksson Ek, and Trocheck's production and defensive play make him an appealing target.

  • Trocheck signed his seven-year deal with the Rangers before the 2022-23 season.
  • Starting with the 2025-26 season, Trocheck's no-movement clause became a modified no-trade clause.

The players

Vincent Trocheck

A veteran center for the New York Rangers who has scored 20+ goals in three of his last four seasons and finished top-20 in Selke Trophy voting twice.

Minnesota Wild

A playoff contender in the Central Division that is looking to add a top-six center to complement Joel Eriksson Ek and compete with the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche.

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What they’re saying

“There's no mystery about him...Bill Guerin feels about Vincent Trocheck after selecting him to join Team USA. Trocheck is excellent in the faceoff dot, which holds appeal for Minnesota.”

— Chris Johnston, NHL insider (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Wild will need to negotiate a trade with the Rangers to acquire Trocheck, who has a modified no-trade clause that will shrink in the coming seasons.

The takeaway

This potential trade would provide a significant boost to the Minnesota Wild's center depth as they look to make a deeper playoff run, while the Rangers continue to retool their roster amid a disappointing season. Trocheck's strong two-way play and faceoff ability would be valuable assets for the Wild as they aim to compete with the top teams in the Central Division.