For almost the entire season, the Montreal Canadiens have seemingly been searching to add a center to their roster. They already added Phillip Danault right before Christmas, but could be searching for more for a center who can play on the top two lines.
Nazem Kadri has been a popular name connected to the Montreal Canadiens, and with the deadline right around the corner, it might finally spur action to get a deal done. However, another name that has emerged is the New York Rangers' Vincent Trocheck.
Recently, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun was on Melnick in the Afternoon and said the Canadiens had checked in on the Rangers' center. "I think the Canaidens have checked in with the Rangers on Vincent Trocheck, although that could be too big of a haul," LeBrun said.
Vincent Trocheck would address a lot of concerns for the Montreal Canadiens
If the Canadiens were willing to meet the Rangers' demands, and that is a big if considering their hesitancy to offer enough for Kadri, Trocheck would be a great addition to the roster. This season, Trocheck has only played in 46 games but has averaged close to a point per game with 12 goals and 27 assists.
While injuries have limited this season, Trocheck has been very productive in recent seasons and has had 50 or more points in each of the previous four. The best season during that stretch was in 2023-24 when he had 77 points with 25 goals, including 11 power-play goals.
He certainly could help make an offensive impact, but where Trocheck can be a difference maker is in the face-off circle and the penalty kill unit. This season, Trocheck has a faceoff percentage of 57.2%, which is slightly above his career average of 54.2%.
The Canadiens top two centers, Nick Suzuki and Oliver Kapanen, are both below 50% on the season.
Meanwhile, the penalty kill unit for the Montreal Canadiens has been one of the worst in the league, with a 76.5% success rate that ranks 27th in the NHL. The addition of Trocheck would give Montreal another option to try and improve this unit, and he has plenty of experience with 87 minutes of ice time in those situations after leading the Rangers in the category last season, according to MoneyPuck.
It certainly seems the Montreal Canadiens are going to remain patient and willing to stay the course. However, if they want to make a move, the addition of Vincent Trocheck is one that could really help them, especially in a few areas where they have struggled.