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Analyst Likes the Canadiens For Rangers’ $40M Center

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Feb 16, 2026 4:19 PM ET

According to James Mirtle of The Athletic, watch out for the Montreal Canadiens when it comes to Vincent Trocheck and the trade deadline.

He writes:

“The Canadiens’ biggest hole all season has been down the middle, and it’s going to be a battle at the deadline for the limited options who can fill the 2C role on a contender. Even at 32, Trocheck certainly fits that description, and the fact he comes with some term at a reasonable cap hit will help the Habs bridge the gap as their youth movement progresses.”

Mirtle admits that Trocheck’s size might be a factor, as he isn’t the biggest player. But, what he lacks in size, he makes up for in hockey smarts and can play in all situations. If the Canadiens need him to, they can place him on their top power-play unit as a high-end playmaker.

Mirtle adds, “He would also be able to take some of the tough matchup load off Nick Suzuki and serve as a strong mentor for Ivan Demidov.”

Are There Any Potential Hurdles In the Canadiens Trading for Trocheck?

If there’s a potential hiccup, it could come because Trocheck holds a modified no-trade list in which he can choose 12 teams he doesn’t want to go to. As an American who has never played for a Canadian team, it’s unclear if he would welcome the idea of going to Montreal.

This isn’t a rental joining a contender for one run of just a few months. Trocheck would have to accept spending the next three seasons beyond this one in a passionate Canadian market. He may be fine to do so, but the Montreal market has its pluses and minuses.

The good news is that Montreal is an exciting, rising team and he’d be joining them on their way up. He’d have a chance to win a Stanley Cup for the rest of his current deal.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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