Multiple reports say the Minnesota Wild have shown interest in Florida Panthers center Vincent Trocheck.
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic was the first to report the interest, later confirmed by his colleague Michael Russo, both of whom are monitoring the situation despite both saying the Panthers would prefer to keep Trocheck.
What would it take to get the 26-year-old with a team-friendly contract ($4.75M next season)? Both reports say the Wild would likely have to part with defenseman Jonas Brodin, with Russo saying Wild GM Bill Guerin isn’t all that interested in trading.
Perhaps the biggest question is if Trocheck can he regain the form that led to a 31-goal, 75-point season just two years ago. Trocheck had 13 points in 18 games to begin the 2018-19 season before suffering a fractured ankle in mid-November.
Since then, he’s played in 90 regular-season games and netted a total of 20 goals and 69 points. Russo says Trocheck “looks to have struggled with his skating” since the injury. But if he is capable of returning to elite-scoring form, he has the potential to become just what the Wild need.
Only four players in Wild history have scored more than 75 points in a season. Here’s the points leader since the Wild debuted in 2001.
- 2018-19: Zach Parise, 61 points
- 2017-18: Eric Stall, 76 points
- 2016-17: Mikael Granlund, 69 points
- 2015-16: Mikko Koivu, 56 points
- 2014-15: Zach Parise, 62 points
- 2013-14: Jason Pominville, 60 points
- 2012-13: Zach Parise, 38 points (shortened season)
- 2011-12: Dany Heatley, 53 points
- 2010-11: Martin Havlat, 62 points
- 2009-10: Mikko Koivu, 71 points
- 2008-09: Mikko Koivu, 67 points
- 2007-08: Marian Gaborik, 83 points
- 2006-07: Pavol Demitra and Brian Rolston, 64 points
- 2005-06: Brian Rolston, 79 points
- 2004-05: No NHL season due to lockout
- 2003-04: Alexandre Daigle, 51 points
- 2002-03: Marian Gaborik, 65 points
- 2001-02: Andrew Brunette, 69 points
Another key factor in Brodin’s future is his contract. He’s set to make $4.2 million next season before becoming a free agent who will undoubtedly command a massive raise.
The NHL trade deadline is next Monday, Feb. 24.
