The New York Rangers face upcoming financial challenges as rising star forward Alexis Lafreniere, reliable defenseman K’Andre Miller, and world-class goalie Igor Shesterkin are all poised to become free agents in 2025.
To prepare for this, the Rangers need to start conserving salary cap space for the next offseason. Fortunately, they have a key asset in Vincent Trocheck’s contract, which provides General Manager Chris Drury with flexibility. While the team receives criticism for costly contracts like Jacob Trouba’s, they also deserve recognition for securing bargains.
Vincent Trocheck’s seven-year, $39.3 million contract signed in the 2022 offseason is a prime example. With an average annual value of $5.62 million, Trocheck ranks as the fourth-highest-paid forward and seventh-highest-paid player overall on the team.
The Rangers will benefit from the length of Trocheck’s deal
Trocheck has already accumulated 141 points in his two years with the Rangers (64 in 2022-23 and 77 in 2023-24), anchoring the star-studded second line alongside Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere, who have notably benefited from his presence. Known for elevating his teammates’ performance through physicality, playmaking, and clutch scoring, Trocheck is expected to remain a cornerstone in the Rangers’ lineup for years to come.
Initially met with skepticism due to its length, Trocheck’s contract has proven to exceed expectations without any signs of decline two years in. If he continues to progress annually, his contract will only gain in value over time. Despite the potential for a significant salary increase under different circumstances, Trocheck’s current contract ensures his stability with the Rangers beyond the 2025 free agency period.
