Vincent Trocheck is on the Maple Leafs target list and the second line centre Matthews wanted is in reach
Photo credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs could soon have their much needed second line center in New York Rangers Vincent Trocheck, and could be John Chayka's first move as GM.
Recent reporting from Darren Dreger on TSN's Overdrive says that the Toronto Maple Leafs could have their answer for their 2C in Vincent Trocheck.
Trocheck, 32, had 16 goals, 37 assists, & 53 points in 67 games for a Rangers team that finished last season in last place in the Eastern Conference.
A physical two-way center who can contribute down the middle as a faceoff taker and penalty killer, Trocheck could be an answer for the Leafs in two key areas.
Leafs Captain Auston Matthews is demanding the team add this offseason, and Trocheck may not be the Leafs headliner, but he could be the necessary secondary move that manages to boost Toronto's offense.
Vincent Trocheck fits exactly what the Maple Leafs need between Easton Cowan and William Nylander and Chayka knows it
The Toronto Maple Leafs could have two rookies on their second line on the wing next season in Easton Cowan, along with one of Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg.
This makes a reliable veteran like Vincent Trocheck a logical option at center, while being a potential upgrade over John Tavares down the middle.
Toronto may want a younger option that can be a long-term alternative to Tavares, with Jordan Kyrou being one player linked to the Leafs, but for a Leafs top-six that could be led by youth, a veteran such as Trocheck may be a more logical alternative.
If Easton Cowan plays on the Leafs top line, it could have Nylander on the second unit with McKenna or Stenberg. Tavares has been consistently reliable with Nylander, but a player like Trocheck could unlock Nylander further after a career year.
The Rangers want off the Trocheck contract and the Maple Leafs may have a hidden cap window other teams cannot match
Vincent Trocheck is dependable for his ability to be a reliable 2C with a 56.9% faceoff percantage and a first unit penalty killer, but his most valuable asset may be his contract.
Trocheck is making just $5.625M until 2029, taking him to his age-35 season where he should still potentially be an effective middle-six forward.
Charlie Coyle re-signing with Columbus on Tuesday for six years and $36M removed one of the only comparable two-way centre options left from the free agent market.
The Leafs are working towards a potential exit with defenseman Morgan Rielly at $7.5M, providing the opportunity for Toronto to add cap space to take on Trocheck's contract, with money left over to add more on top of the acquisition of Trocheck.
Vincent Trocheck is a trade target that fixes two of Toronto's biggest weaknesses, while matching Matthews demand for real moves, the first one being the dismissal of Craig Berube as head coach.
The Toronto Maple Leafs second line has it's potential missing piece, and could kickstart the rest of Leafs plans with their top-six finally solved for the first time since the exit of Mitch Marner.
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