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Insider Reports: Wild Have Targeted Rangers’ Center

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Feb 6, 2026 7:04 PM ET

Trade chatter around the NHL continues, even as the league takes a break for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. The unofficial deadline has passed, but the March 6 deadline is now firmly in sight. After the New York Rangers traded Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings, attention has quickly shifted to another veteran piece in New York — Vincent Trocheck.

According to TSN insider Pierre LeBrun, the Minnesota Wild have emerged as a serious suitor. Speaking earlier this week, LeBrun said, “Vincent Trocheck’s a guy that’s garnering a lot of interest; keep an eye on the Wild…I don’t know where the Wild will end up going…they’ve also shown interest in Ryan O’Reilly; Charlie Coyle; I think Guerin’s all in.” Other outlets have connected the dots between Trocheck and the Wild as well.

Trocheck checks a lot of boxes for the Wild. The 32-year-old carries a reasonable $5.625 million cap hit through the 2028–29 season, wins over 55 percent of his faceoffs, and brings a reliable two-way game that translates well in the playoffs. He’s also producing, with 12 goals and 36 points in 43 games, which makes him more than just a depth add.

Reports suggest the Rangers are setting a high price, believed to include a first-round pick plus a premium prospect. PuckEmpire’s Instagram report adds that Minnesota has “really liked him for a while,” with no deal imminent but potential packages involving prospects like Charlie Stramel or Danila Yurov and a future first. From New York’s perspective, that makes sense. With Panarin already gone, Chris Drury appears focused on retooling with younger assets and future flexibility.

The Wild Need Another Center

For the Wild, the appeal is obvious. They moved Marco Rossi in the deal to get Quinn Hughes, leaving their center depth vulnerable. Minnesota is a contender, but competing with Dallas and Colorado, they need more weapons. Trocheck’s mix of grit, experience, and term could stabilize their lineup and support a serious postseason push alongside Kirill Kaprizov.

With the trade freeze lifting later this month, this is a rumor worth watching.

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

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