Maple Leafs in on Rangers’ Vincent Trocheck sweepstakes

Vincent Trocheck was one of the most intriguing names mentioned in speculation ahead of March’s trade deadline, but the New York Rangers ultimately elected to keep the veteran center despite a disappointing 2025-26 campaign for the club.

Trade chatter surrounding Trocheck hasn’t gone away, and The New York Post’s Mollie Walker added the Toronto Maple Leafs to the growing list of teams that have expressed interest in the Olympic gold medallist.

Walker reported Tuesday that the Leafs have contacted the Rangers about Trocheck following complications related to Max Domi’s back surgery. If Domi is not ready for the start of the 2026-27 season, Toronto could find itself in need of another proven center, a role Trocheck would be well suited to fill.

The Pittsburgh native remains on one of the league’s most team-friendly contracts, carrying a $5.625 million cap hit for each of the next three seasons.

He continues to be an effective two-way contributor, recording 53 points in 67 games on a struggling Rangers team last season. Trocheck is also just two years removed from a career-best 77-point campaign in 2023-24.

Although a trade is far from certain, Trocheck’s name continues to surface in rumors as teams search for help down the middle.

The Montreal Canadiens and Minnesota Wild have also been linked to center upgrades after both clubs enjoyed successful postseason runs in 2026.

For Toronto, acquiring Trocheck would give them another proven top-six center behind Auston Matthews and could allow John Tavares to slide into a more sheltered role.

There are still several factors that could complicate a potential move, including Trocheck’s no-trade protection; the veteran would need to approve a deal to Toronto.

As well, the Rangers are not actively shopping Trocheck, per Walker. Instead, they are believed to be placing a significant asking price on the veteran center due to the limited number of proven top-six pivots available around the league.

Prying Trocheck away from New York could require a package that includes a first-round pick, a prospect and a roster player.

It’s a price that has remained high since the trade deadline in March, and it will be interesting to see whether any team — Toronto or otherwise — is willing to meet GM Chris Drury’s asking price.