Friedman noted, “If there was one player available — and I don’t see it — teams would be climbing up buildings to get him, it would be Trocheck.” This is no surprise considering Trocheck’s importance to the Rangers, especially with the declining form of Mika Zibanejad. The 31-year-old forward is the team’s best two-way player, contributing in every situation: he’s the top-line center, part of the first power-play unit, and a key penalty killer. Trocheck leads Rangers forwards in ice time (21:33 per game), is fourth on the team in scoring with 10 goals and 22 points, and has been effective in the faceoff circle, winning 61.5% of his draws.
Although his offensive production has dipped from his career-high 77-point season last year, Trocheck’s commitment and intensity on the ice remain strong. He’s also one of the few NHL players this season with 10+ goals and 100+ hits, demonstrating his all-around play.
If the Rangers were looking to shake up their roster, Trocheck could fetch a significant return, but it’s almost certain they won’t part with him. Aside from his invaluable role on the team, Trocheck could be the next captain of the Rangers, especially after the recent trade of Jacob Trouba. Moreover, his contract includes a full no-move clause through the end of this season, making it nearly impossible for the Rangers to trade him unless he agreed to waive it — a scenario that Friedman believes is highly unlikely.
With three years left on his contract at a reasonable $5.625 million AAV, Trocheck’s long-term value to the Rangers far outweighs any potential trade benefits. “He has control, and I’m not convinced they would want to do that,” Friedman added.
Friedman also believes that the Rangers are still in the midst of significant changes. He pointed to a recent column by Larry Brooks in the New York Post that criticized the team’s performance, which Friedman believes signals that major moves are still to come. Friedman speculated that Mika Zibanejad, who has struggled this season, could be moved if the situation worsens. Zibanejad has been taken off the top power-play unit and dropped to the third line, with his production faltering — he’s gone seven games without a point and is currently at a minus-21 rating for the season.
Given the Rangers’ poor performance, sitting near the bottom of the Metropolitan Division and outside playoff contention, major shakeups seem likely. Friedman also noted that head coach Peter Laviolette could be feeling the pressure, as the team’s fall from a Presidents’ Trophy contender to a last-place position is nothing short of shocking.
