Rangers Bench Trocheck, Carrick Ahead of Trade Deadline

Key players held out of lineup for 'roster management purposes' as deadline looms

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The New York Rangers have benched forwards Vincent Trocheck and Sam Carrick for Thursday night's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, citing "roster management purposes" as the NHL trade deadline approaches on Friday. Both Trocheck and Carrick have been the subject of trade speculation, leading to speculation that the Rangers are preparing to move them before the deadline.

Why it matters

The Rangers' decision to bench Trocheck and Carrick suggests the team is actively exploring trade options for the two players ahead of the deadline. This could have significant implications for the Rangers' roster and their plans for the rest of the season, as well as the future of Trocheck and Carrick's NHL careers.

The details

Trocheck, who has been a Ranger since 2022, has been widely believed to be on the trading block for some time. Unlike teammate Artemi Panarin, who was told he wouldn't play in the final three games before the Olympic break and was eventually traded, Trocheck had been practicing and playing as usual. However, the Rangers have now decided to hold him out of the lineup, along with Carrick, for "roster management purposes" ahead of the trade deadline.

  • The NHL trade deadline is on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST.
  • Trocheck and Carrick were held out of the Rangers' lineup on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Vincent Trocheck

A forward who has been with the Rangers since 2022 and has been the subject of trade speculation ahead of the upcoming deadline.

Sam Carrick

A forward who was also held out of the Rangers' lineup for "roster management purposes" ahead of the trade deadline.

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What’s next

The Rangers will need to make a decision on whether to trade Trocheck, Carrick, or both players before the Friday trade deadline.

The takeaway

The Rangers' decision to bench Trocheck and Carrick suggests the team is actively exploring trade options for the two players ahead of the NHL trade deadline, which could have significant implications for the Rangers' roster and the future of Trocheck and Carrick's NHL careers.