Wild Offer Prospect, 1st-Round Pick for Rangers' Trocheck

Minnesota seeks to upgrade at center ahead of NHL trade deadline

Mar. 4, 2026 at 3:18pm

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The Minnesota Wild have offered a package centered around prospect Charlie Stramel and a 2027 first-round pick to the New York Rangers in exchange for center Vincent Trocheck, according to ESPN's Emily Kaplan. The Rangers are expected to move Trocheck before the NHL trade deadline on Friday, but GM Chris Drury has told other teams he doesn't necessarily have to do a deal now since Trocheck is under contract for three more seasons.

Why it matters

The Wild are looking to upgrade at center and are willing to part with a top prospect and a future first-round pick to acquire the 29-year-old Trocheck, who has been productive for the Rangers since being traded there last year. The Rangers, meanwhile, must weigh whether to keep Trocheck or cash in on the strong trade offer from Minnesota.

The details

According to Kaplan's report, the Wild's offer for Trocheck includes prospect Charlie Stramel, who was the 21st overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, as well as a 2027 first-round pick and potentially another player or prospect. Stramel is currently playing at Michigan State and is considered one of the top collegiate hockey players in the country. The Rangers would likely want both a top prospect and a future first-rounder in any deal for Trocheck, who is under contract for three more seasons.

  • The NHL trade deadline is this Friday, March 3, 2026 at 3 p.m. ET.

The players

Vincent Trocheck

A 29-year-old center currently playing for the New York Rangers, who is expected to be traded before the NHL's trade deadline on Friday.

Charlie Stramel

A top prospect in the Minnesota Wild organization, selected 21st overall in the 2023 NHL Draft and currently playing at Michigan State.

Chris Drury

The general manager of the New York Rangers, who has told other teams he doesn't necessarily have to trade Trocheck now since he is under contract for three more seasons.

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What they’re saying

“The most likely player to be moved is Trocheck. The league is expecting it, and so is the player.”

— Emily Kaplan, ESPN Insider

What’s next

The NHL trade deadline is this Friday, March 3, 2026 at 3 p.m. ET, so the Wild and Rangers have a short window to complete a deal for Trocheck if Minnesota's offer is accepted.

The takeaway

This potential trade highlights the Wild's aggressive pursuit of an upgrade at center, as they are willing to part with a top prospect and a future first-round pick to acquire the productive Trocheck from the Rangers. The outcome of these negotiations could have significant implications for both teams' playoff aspirations this season.