With the end of the Olympic roster freeze just days away, a new dark horse has emerged in the Vincent Trocheck sweepstakes.

On the latest edition of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman dropped a massive breadcrumb regarding the Rangers plans at the trade deadline. 

While the Minnesota Wild and Detroit Red Wings have been the loudest names in the rumor mill over the past few weeks, Friedman noted that the Edmonton Oilers are a team to watch as they look to solidify their top-six for a 2026 Stanley Cup run.

Trocheck Was Almost Added in Panarin Trade

Friedman revealed a bombshell detail from the Artemi Panarin trade to the Kings earlier this month: 

The Kings actually tried to get Trocheck included in that deal. While that specific double-blockbuster didn’t materialize, Friedman reports that the league-wide interest in Trocheck has only intensified. 

“I definitely think there is a lot of Trocheck [talk],” Friedman said. “The question is going to be where can he go without permission and how high can the Rangers get this to go.”

The Edmonton Connection

Why are the Oilers suddenly the dark horse? Friedman and other insiders have pointed out a few key factors that make this more than just a message-board fantasy:

The No-Trade Factor: Trocheck has a 12-team no-trade list. While Friedman noted Trocheck’s initial preference to stay in the Eastern Conference (which helps Detroit), the chance to play between superstars like McDavid or Draisaitl is the kind of “competitive exception” that often sees players waive their lists.
Faceoff Dominance: The Oilers’ biggest playoff weakness has been defensive-zone draws. Trocheck is currently clipping along at a 56.5% win rate, a stat Friedman specifically highlighted as a premium asset for contenders.
The Contract “Sweet Spot”: Trocheck isn’t a rental; he’s signed through 2029 at an affordable $5.625M AAV. Friedman noted that the Rangers feel they have “traction” because teams are willing to pay more for a player with a long-term deal than a two-month rental.

Drury’s Asking Price

With the NHL roster freeze lifting on February 23, Chris Drury is reportedly holding out for a monster return.

If the Oilers want in, Friedman suggests the conversation starts with a high-end prospect and potentially a 2027 first-round pick, given Edmonton has already emptied their 2026 cupboard.

The Bottom Line

As Friedman put it: “The Rangers feel there is traction on some of their guys. That, to me, is the team to watch.” 

If the Oilers pry Trocheck out of New York, it won’t just be a savvy addition — it will be a statement. 

For Edmonton, it would signal a full-throttle push to maximize the McDavid-Draisaitl era. For the Rangers, it’s a sign that the “retool” is actually trending towards an all-out rebuild.

Either way, one thing is clear: the Trocheck market isn’t cooling down.

It’s heating up.