Leafs Could Land the Perfect Center in a Trade Following Recent Report by Elliotte Friedman
The Toronto Maple Leafs have the perfect chance to add a third-line center with defense and scoring and could have eyes on a key New York Rangers player.
Brad Treliving hasn't been shy about adding more to his team even though they've jumped out to first in the Atlantic.
While the offense is a sore spot, the GM wants to add more checking and defense into his forward corps.
There are several names on the list, ranging from Brock Nelson to Chris Kreider, and even Sidney Crosby.
But there is another New York Ranger the Maple Leafs could target to shore up their forward depth, and it involves adding Vincent Trocheck to their team.
Why Vincent Trocheck From The New York Rangers?
Elliotte Friedman reported that New York could be selling off assets after a brutal loss and a 12-7-1 record that while looks good on paper, isn't indicative to the Rangers struggles.
It's the perfect chance for Toronto to take advantage of a fire sale and grab something they need.
Vincent Trocheck is 31 years old, and a veteran of 12 years.
He has (including this season) 529 points in 739 games (201G, 328A) while spending time with Florida, Carolina, and New York.
A jack-of-all-trades, Vincent Trocheck ticks all the boxes that Brad Treliving wants in a center.
He has a wildly successful 53.5% faceoff rate, throws on average 166 hits per season, and blocks shots, oh -- he's also a former 30-goal scorer with six 20+ goal seasons in his career.
Vincent Trocheck would give Toronto a high-profile scoring option on their third line, as well as a player who kills penalties, wins crucial faceoffs, and has playoff experience.
He's also a player who does the little things that make a huge impact on a game.
Case in point when he nonchalantly made a stick check on an opponent, allowing Artemi Panarin to score.
The issue lies in his contract, as he may be a bit expensive for Toronto at $5.625M but does come with four more years of team control, so there's an advantage there despite the cap hit.
Where Does Vincent Trocheck Fit?
Vincent Trocheck can slide up and down the lineup depending on how Craig Berube wants to utilize him.
Toronto Maple Leafs would still more than likely rock with John Tavares on the second line, but Vincent Trocheck would be a fantastic third-line piece.
He makes the third line more of a 2B and if he can find chemistry with Nick Robertson, Max Domi, or Pontus Holmberg; he could be the key to awakening them from whatever production slumber they're in.
A potential lineup with Trocheck in the fold might look like this:
McMann -- Matthews -- Nylander
Knies -- Tavares -- Marner
Domi -- Trocheck -- Robertson
Lorentz -- Minten -- Grebenkin
There's certainly some shuffling, but it would do the Toronto Maple Leafs good to try and not only acquire a center who can spark their bottom six and play stellar defense but also split up their long-time duo of Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews.
This gives the Toronto Maple Leafs more balance and if Vincent Trocheck wanted to slide in as a winger on the second line and let Marner control his own trio; he has the ability to do it.
FAQ: Toronto Should Acquire Vincent Trocheck From New York
Q1: Why should Toronto acquire Vincent Trocheck?
A1: The Maple Leafs needs to acquire Vincent Trocheck because he adds defensive versatility, scoring potential, and veteran leadership, and gives Toronto a forward for the next several years while they contend. Trocheck does all the things Brad Treliving needs in his next acquisition.
Q2: Where will Vincent Trocheck play on Toronto?
A2: Trocheck will more than likely slot into the third-line center role however, his impact makes it more of a 2B.
His ability to score, win faceoffs, and play gritty and tough hockey makes him a great choice to lead the bottom half.
He can also play on the Top 6 if needed and would help out Toronto's special teams.
In closing, Toronto should look to see what it would cost to acquire Trocheck from New York.
He's expensive but he comes with control and offers exactly what Toronto needs. It's time they acted before they miss out.
