Vincent Trocheck has just been linked to the Canadiens

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Feb 11, 2026 9:22 AM ET

Will the Canadiens go out and get a player who can play on their top six for the rest of the season? That’s obviously a question on everyone’s mind in the city.

And if they do, will it be for a center (thereby blocking Michael Hage and the possibility that Sidney Crosby might one day change his mind) or for a winger who can play with Nick Suzuki?

Who knows.

If Kent Hughes were to make a move in that direction, chances are good that it would be for a player who is likely to age well. Chances are good that it would be for a player who fits into the current core.

So we have to ask ourselves who fits into the current core. Is Nazem Kadri, for example, too old (35) for that? Maybe.Many people have their doubts, in any case.

But now James Mirtle of The Athletic has brought a new name into the conversation: Vincent Trocheck. In an article aimed at determining who will go where, the journalist predicted that the Rangers will trade the player to the Canadiens.

The American center is 32 years old and shoots right-handed. The Olympian is 5’11” (is that tall and sturdy enough for what the habs are looking for?) and is still capable of producing a lot.

(Credit: Hockey DB)

The veteran, who will turn 33 this summer, is signed until 2029 at $5.625 million per year on the payroll. Through his partial no-trade clause, he can say no to 12 teams this season.

Would the American, who has played for American teams in the OHL in the past, say yes to a stay in Canada? We obviously don’t know.

(Credit: Cap Wages)

We also don’t know how interested the habs are, how greedy the Rangers will be in this case… and how much Chris Drury (who is not as eager with Trocheck as he was with Artemi Panarin) wants to dance with Jeff Gorton’s club.

But it’s a name to keep in mind because, theoretically, he could fit the Habs’ needs.

Overtime

– Team Canada will resume practice in front of the media.

Team Canada GM Doug Armstrong says the closed practice the team had Monday is “a one-time thing.” Moving forward, all practices will be open to the media. pic.twitter.com/MqtjKuF187

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 11, 2026

– William Nylander is getting better.

Nylander skated this morning, worked with Sweden’s power play

Team said it would consult with doctors before confirming if he will dress https://t.co/SasLtI6WhU

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 11, 2026