NHL Rumors Point to Trocheck Interest and McTavish Trade Talks

Vincent Trocheck switched agents to Pat Brisson of CAA, immediately drawing interest from multiple teams as the Rangers forward enters another rumor cycle.

Trocheck’s Agent Switch Fuels Speculation

Darren Dreger reported that Trocheck changed agents ahead of renewed trade discussions, a move that contrasts with his prior representation and signals openness to relocation. The timing places the 32-year-old center in conversations with clubs seeking immediate middle-six production. Multiple organizations contacted his new agency within days, creating leverage that the Rangers may use to extract assets rather than retain him at his current cap hit. This development follows Trocheck’s consistent playoff contributions and contrasts with the Rangers’ need to manage future salary commitments.

Teams evaluating Trocheck weigh his two-way reliability against younger internal options, a calculation that favors a trade if the return includes draft capital or defensive depth. The agent change removes a prior barrier to movement and accelerates the timeline for any deal before July 1. Sources indicate interest spans both Eastern and Western Conference clubs, broadening the potential market beyond division rivals.

McTavish Draws Heavy Trade Attention From Ducks

Kevin Weekes noted that teams have begun calling the Anaheim Ducks about forward Mason McTavish, whose combination of skill, grit and remaining contract term makes him a rare commodity on the trade market. The Ducks have stated that any departure requires a quality hockey trade, ruling out pure salary dumps. Marco D’Amico added that Anaheim would likely seek a top-four right-handed defenseman in return, establishing a clear benchmark for negotiations.

A contrasting scenario involves packaging McTavish for a sustainable second-line center and a young top-four defenseman in the same age cohort as the Ducks’ core, an option that remains on the table according to the same reporting. This dual-path approach highlights Anaheim’s flexibility as they balance short-term roster needs against long-term competitive windows. McTavish’s presence on the roster has not prevented exploratory calls, showing the organization is prepared to move established pieces if the return accelerates their rebuild.

Buyout Candidates Create Cap Flexibility

Frank Seravalli identified Jesperi Kotkaniemi as the leading buyout target, with four years remaining at a $4.82 million AAV that would convert to eight years at $851,000 after an under-25 buyout. Ondrej Palat carries one year at $6 million, producing a two-year buyout of $2.7 million followed by $1.7 million if the Islanders decide he blocks a roster spot. Pierre Engvall’s four-year, $3 million contract would yield eight years at $1 million, saving ownership roughly $4 million over the life of the deal.

Kaedan Korczak’s situation in Vegas illustrates longer-term planning, with four years at $3.25 million that could become one year at $2.5 million plus seven years at $458,000 if executed after next season. These figures contrast with buyout-proof contracts such as Darnell Nurse’s and Tristan Jarry’s in Edmonton, underscoring how timing and age dictate savings magnitude. Additional names under consideration include J.T. Compher in Detroit and Brandon Tanev in Utah, each offering varying degrees of relief depending on their respective clubs’ cap posture.

The aggregate effect of these buyouts would exceed $10 million in immediate 2026-27 relief across multiple organizations, enabling signings that directly address the Trocheck and McTavish rumors. Teams that act before June 30 lock in the most favorable structures and avoid competing in an inflated free-agent market.

Teams that complete these moves gain roster and financial flexibility that directly influences their pursuit of players like Trocheck or McTavish.