As reported by Darren Dreger, Team Canada will feature the likes of Macklin Celebrini, Gavin McKenna, Mark Scheifele, and Matthew Barzal during the upcoming IIHF World Championship. Other household names like Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid may even join the national team if they suffer early eliminations from the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the 2025-26 NHL season.

However, where Bedard stands is somewhat of a mystery. Fans in the Great White North would love to see the Blackhawks‘ star join forces with fellow North Vancouver native and close friend, Celebrini, while sharing the ice with the projected first overall pick in the 2026 NHL entry Draft, McKenna.

If Crosby and McDavid are to join Team Canada, the prospect is even more exciting. Matthew Schaefer could join the team, too. It all adds up to a perfect opportunity for the new wave of great Canadian talent to showcase themselves at the international level.

Why Bedard may turn down invitation

Bedard has yet to sign an extension with the Blackhawks (set to become a restricted free agent on July 1). The young star and his camp may have some concerns about playing without insurance, so to speak, as an injury in the international tournament could come back to bite him in his next contract in Chicago.

Moreover, Bedard is expected to be named the franchise’s next captain this offseason, and he might think leaving in the middle of the offseason for Europe may send the wrong message throughout the organization in the Windy City. After all, the Hawks are in Chi-town, so they couldn’t care any less about Team Canada’s pursuit for its 29th IIHF World Championship title.

Still, being absent once again could prove costly for Bedard and his reputation with Team Canada. This upcoming tournament is a great chance for him to mend bridges and showcase himself before the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. Even if the IIHF World Championship isn’t the trophy Bedard dreams of hoisting, it might be necessary to participate in it if he wants to play in more meaningful tournaments like the World Cup of Hockey and the Olympics.

Bedard’s history with Team Canada

Bedard declined his invitation to the World Championship last year, as he wanted to focus on improving his game during the summer. He was coming off a rough sophomore campaign, and the move paid off as he registered career highs in the 2025–26 NHL season.

The scenario looks quite different for Bedard at the moment. Though there’s always room for improvement, he’s shown he is already among the league’s elite. However, timing is definitely not on his side. For completely different reasons, Bedard might miss another great chance to represent his country. That’s the bottom line.

Some believe the fact Bedard turned Team Canada down last year has yet to be forgiven. Perhaps it played a role in the decision to leave Bedard off the roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Maybe Team Canada “forgets” to invite Bedard this time around, or the invitation is mysteriously lost in the mail.

When does the IIHF World Championship start?

Regardless of where Bedard’s mind is, the 20-year-old has yet to announce his plans for the summer. The 2026 IIHF World Championship will start on May 15, so time is running short for him to make his intentions clear to Hockey Canada. With or without Bedard, the Canadians have put together a second-to-none squad that is expected to come away with the championship.

Unfortunately for the Maple Leaf, the same was said last season—and the year before that—yet Canada failed to even reach the gold medal game in consecutive years. In 2026, Team Canada will look to snap its drought and avenge last year’s quarterfinal elimination, as well as wipe the sour taste out of its mouth after losing the gold-medal game at the 2026 Olympics.

As it stands, the last time Bedard donned the Maple Leaf sweater was during the 2024 IIHF World Championship. He recorded 8 points in 10 games, as Canada fell in the third-place game against Sweden. Whether Bedard joins Team Canada in 2026, however, remains unanswered.

Bedard’s medal tally with Canada

Back in February, the Rangers put an end to the speculation around Panarin and traded “The Breadman” to the Kings. Essentially, it was Panarin (signed to a full no movement clause) who chose Los Angeles, and left New York with no choice but to work out a deal with the organization in the City of Angels. The Kings sent prospect Liam Greentree and a conditional third-round selection in 2026.

As reported by Peter Baugh of The Athletic, the conditional third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft would have become a second-rounder had the Kings won one round in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Avalanche made sure that didn’t happen. As a result, the Rangers own the 81st overall pick in this year’s draft, courtesy of the Panarin trade with the Kings.

How many picks will NY Rangers have in 2026?

As the Kings’ conditional selection sent to the Rangers is confirmed to be a third-round pick, 81st overall, the Blueshirts have a better understanding of where they will operate in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.

As it stands, New York owns 11 draft picks in 2026—7 of which are in the top 100, including two first-rounders. The Rangers’ own pick in the first round is a lottery pick, meaning they have an 11.5% chance of coming away with the No. 1 selection, which is projected to be Penn State star Gavin McKenna.

Kings’ elimination also costs NY Rangers a 4th rounder

Under the terms agreed upon by both sides in the Panarin trade, New York would have received a second-round pick instead of a third-rounder had Los Angeles won a single playoff round. Moreover, if the Kings had made it past two rounds and reached the Western Conference Final, the Rangers would have been handed an extra fourth-round pick in the 2028 NHL Entry Draft.

Realistically, the odds were never on the Kings’ side to make it that far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The fact they entered the postseason as the lowest seed in the entire bracket only made things that much harder. For the Rangers, the fact their draft capital was in the hands of a weak Kings side is only another bad look for Chris Drury and company.

Rangers were left no choice but to trade with Kings

However, the front office had its hands tied, as Panarin made it clear he’d only waive his NMC for a move to Hollywood. Needless to say, Los Angeles was never going to pay a king’s ransom for the “Breadman,” and even if it wanted to go on a deep run, the Wild West’s playoff picture made it clear the Kings were in for a steep climb and an improbable run.

After all, there’s a reason the Kings couldn’t even secure one postseason victory in the 2025–26 NHL season. For the fifth straight year, Los Angeles suffered a first-round exit. The last time it won a playoff series? Back in 2014, when the Kings went all the way to hoist Lord Stanley. Perhaps the Rangers should have known better than to leave trade details up to chance and in the hands of a franchise that can’t shake its postseason woes.

“I think there’s a chance [this series goes to 7 games]. If you wake up Sidney Crosby, this guy is unbelievable. I hate the guy and I love him at the same time. He’s going to have to lead the Penguins,” Oshie stated during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “If they are going to have any chance at coming back, it’s going to be on Sid’s shoulders.”

Crosby has come to life late in the series. Though the Penguins are still between a rock and a hard place, there were signs of improvement during Game 4’s victory. Crosby recorded two points (a goal and an assist) during Pittsburgh’s 4-2 win to avoid being swept by the Flyers. Crosby had put the Flyers on notice after the Penguins avoided elimination in Game 4, and now a former champion like Oshie may be trying to warn Philly, as well.

Penguins stayed alive

As the series returns to The Burgh, the Flyers know they must nip the problem in the bud before Crosby and company catch fire. Perhaps, the beast has been awaken, and it’s already too late.

The fourth win is said to be the hardest to secure in every Stanley Cup playoff matchup in the NHL, and a young squad like the one in Philadelphia may learn that lesson the hard way.

Crosby has gone back to doing Crosby things. The fact he scored a one-timer from an improbable position on the ice in Game 4 may be all the signs the Penguins need to know their captain is back in full force. The Pens may not need anything more. Crosby might be enough for them to secure another crucial victory in Game 5 and take the series back to the City of Brotherly Love.

Crosby, Penguins take it one game at a time

Pittsburgh won’t ever have any kind of love or respect for Philadelphia, but right now, there’s nothing the Black and Yellow want more than traveling back to the Birthplace of America for a Game 6. With no room for error but hanging on by a thread of hope, the Penguins are almost in an ideal spot to play relaxed and find their best hockey. What’s done is done. Taking a one-game-at-a-time approach may be the best thing the Pens can do.

Having lost only one game, the Flyers may look at Game 4’s defeat as a fluke outing. However, if they lose two in a row and suddenly find themselves in a pivotal Game 6 at Xfinity Mobile Arena, the nerves and anxiety may eat Philly alive.

Playoff experience doesn’t show up on any stat sheet, but it’s often the X-factor in a series. When the tide gets rough, it comes to light. This is a great time for the Pens’ experience to come into play.

“Boston’s Nikita Zadorov has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for cross-checking Buffalo’s Rasmus Dahlin,” the NHL‘s Department of Player Safety announced on its social media, @NHLPlayerSafety.

The Bruins are truly up against the ropes. Down 3–1 in the series and set to go back to KeyBank Center in Buffalo, where the home fans will turn the barn into mayhem. Zadorov has been handed no suspension, though, and the Spoked B will hope to turn things around before it’s too late.

Something has got to change for Boston, and that was made clear after Marco Sturm ripped the Bruins apart following the 6–1 defeat against the Sabres.

Zadorov has been a penalty machine

Drafted by the Sabres with a first-round pick in 2013, Zadorov clearly had no love for his former NHL club in the first-round matchup of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. So far in the postseason, Zadorov has recorded 37 penalty minutes (PIM).

That’s already a postseason career high for the Russian blueliner, who is coming off another career high in PIM during the 2025–26 regular season (152 penalty minutes). In Games 2 and 4, Zadorov missed 16 and 17 minutes, respectively, due to penalties.

Bruins could punish Zadorov

In addition to the news of the $5,000 fine from the NHL, Sturm and the Bruins may be handing down a punishment of their own to Zadorov. According to reporter Bridgette Proulx, Zadorov was absent from the team’s practice on Monday, as was Viktor Arvidsson. The latter had left Game 4 with an injury, but Zadorov showed no signs of being hurt.

Thus, considering he’s been a liability on the ice, it may all indicate Zadorov may serve as a healthy scratch as Boston faces elimination in Game 5. The Sabres are indeed scoreless on the power play so far, but it’s only a matter of time before they break the drought. If Zadorov continues to gift Buffalo man-advantage opportunities, it could well be sooner rather than later.

Nothing could’ve gone worse for Boston in Game 4 of the first-round series against Buffalo. It was as if the Bruins never made it out of the locker room in the first period, and the Sabres ran circles around them. Swayman was left out to dry by his teammates, and the 4–0 lead at the first intermission meant it was over just one period into the game. There was nothing Swayman could do as he was under siege all afternoon.

Sturm decided to end his goalie’s night after the Sabres scored their sixth of the day. As he left the ice and headed down the tunnel, Swayman had words for his bench, and they weren’t the nicest ones. Sturm didn’t beat around the bush after the game as his team is now on the brink of elimination in the 2025-26 NHL campaign.

“At least one guy [had some fire today],” Sturm stated during his postgame media availability, per reporter Bridgette Proulx. “It was not his fault today, I can tell you that. I felt bad for him. That’s why we kept him in there for a while, because he’s a battler, he wants to be in.”

Bruins take the fall for pathetic effort in Game 4

The Sabres barely had any opposition all game long. They blew the Bruins out of the water en route to their biggest postseason victory since the 2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs. As the Bruins were embarrassed to look themselves in the eye after the game, the leaders in the locker room bit the bullet.

“If we’re not (expletive) embarrassed with what just happened, then I don’t know what to say,” Charlie McAvoy admitted. “Wasted opportunity. Unacceptable. To show up like that in the first period is unacceptable,” David Pastrnak noted. “It starts with me. It starts with the leaders on the ice,” Sturm concluded.

Bruins’ playoff ghosts are back

If it hadn’t been for Sean Kuraly’s late goal to spoil Alex Lyon’s shutout and make it 6–1, the Bruins would have gone almost 100 minutes (97:34) without scoring a goal against the Sabres. Sturm’s comments about how Boston was stronger and bigger than Buffalo are aging poorly, and there have been no signs of such superiority as the first-round series has been played in Beantown.

Boston is 3–10 in its last 13 playoff games (since the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs). Far from a fortress, TD Garden has become a haunted house for the Spoked B. However, it hasn’t been that way for the Boston Celtics, who are 17–11 at home in the playoffs since 2023, and they call TD Garden home as well. Clearly, it has nothing to do with the venue itself, and everything lies in the hands of the Bruins organization.

Boston faces elimination

The margin for error is now razor thin for Sturm and the Bruins. Making it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the 2025–26 NHL season was quite an accomplishment not many saw coming, and Sturm proved he can lead this team.

However, such a deflating series against the Sabres could actually set the Spoked B back. Boston has its back against the wall, and if the Bruins don’t show their claws now, it will be too late. Perhaps it already is.

According to a report from Vince Mercogliano of The Athletic, the Rangers are after a scoring forward in return for Schneider. The Sharks have a surplus of young forwards in their system but are quite thin on the blue line. It’s a match made in heaven, if such a thing even exists in the NHL.

If New York indeed gives up on its former first-round selection (19th overall) in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, San Jose could be among the first to knock on the Blueshirts’ door—or vice versa—and it might not take long before the two sides work something out.

Trade between NY Rangers and Sharks makes sense

Whether the Rangers go after the Sharks as they shop Schneider or the Sharks call the Blueshirts as they search for a blue-liner matters little. What’s clear is that there is a very real business opportunity for both organizations as they come off postseason absences.

The Rangers are well aware of that, and both organizations could reach an agreement at some point of the offseason. After all, it seems the two sides have an interesting trade chip the other may covet. Trades in the NHL are rarely that simple, but it looks like New York and San Jose could help each other out.

Can NHL teams make trades?

Following the NHL’s trade deadline in March, players, draft picks, or future considerations can still be moved in the league. However, any player traded after the deadline cannot participate in the ongoing Stanley Cup Playoffs. That means the Rangers and Sharks—neither of which made the postseason—could work out a trade involving Schneider at any given moment.

However, with the rising salary cap in the 2026–27 NHL season, both teams may wait for the new league year (July 1) before making such an impactful exchange. Moreover, both organizations may wait to test out free agency before engaging in a trade. Schneider’s contract situation adds even more layers to this situation.

Schneider set to be an RFA

Playing on a contract year, Schneider is set to become a restricted free agent (RFA) in the summer. Before making a move for him, the Sharks would likely hope to learn where things stand between Schneider and the Rangers. Perhaps they ask New York to pull off a sign-and-trade with the 24-year-old defenseman. Schneider is eligible for arbitration, which grants him leverage in case his camp and the Blueshirts can’t reach an agreement.

Acquiring Schneider without a trade seems an unlikely alternative for San Jose. In order to do so, it must extend an offer sheet to Schneider, which New York can match and retain its former first-round pick. If the Rangers pass on that chance, they receive a compensatory draft selection. Based on the fact that the Rangers are hoping to receive an NHL-level forward in return for Schneider, it’s virtually impossible they are content to receive a compensation pick instead.

In more ways than one, all roads lead to a trade if Schneider is to leave the Big Apple. The Rangers are shopping him, and they are tossing their bait into shark-infested waters. Whatever happens next can’t catch them by surprise.

Since blocking a shot with his left hand during Montreal’s 5–2 defeat against the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 11, Dobson has been out with an upper-body injury, as listed by the Canadiens. When announcing Dobson’s injury, the Habs confirmed the defenseman would be re-evaluated in two weeks. That date is now (almost) here, and the blueliner is set for a new evaluation.

As reported by TVA Sports‘ Renaud Lavoie, the Canadiens will have a better understanding of where Dobson stands in his recovery—and possibly make an announcement on him—in the next 48 hours. It’s no surprise, as it would meet exactly the timeline Montreal had set for its talented defenseman. Dobson could return just in time for some critical matchups against the Lightning.

Could Dobson return from injury?

The Canadiens have yet to make any announcement on Dobson, who has been inactive since April 11. However, the 26-year-old recently returned to the ice in team practices. With him skating and participating in drills again, the signs could suggest he’s trending toward a return and could play in his first playoff game with the Habs.

Dobson won’t play in Game 4 of the first-round series against the Bolts, but he could be back in action in later games of this evenly matched showdown or later in the Stanley Cup Playoffs if Montreal advances. Having Dobson in the lineup could be huge for the Habs to clinch the series and move on.

Dobson could be difference-maker

Dobson was second in the league in blocked shots, and his defensive skills could prove to be the difference in a matchup with the Bolts that has been decided through sudden-death overtime in the first three games of the series. In such a tight series, a presence like Dobson’s could be huge.

Tampa Bay is in a similar position with Victor Hedman, its top defenseman, who is listed as doubtful to play in the opening round. The Canadiens have done just fine without Dobson, but getting him back could be all she wrote for the Lightning.

If Dobson returns, who is taken off the lineup?

In the event of Dobson recovering from his injury and being inserted back into the lineup, the Canadiens will have to make roster moves. Most likely, one of Kaiden Guhle, Jayden Struble, or Arber Xhekaj will be scratched to make room for Dobson. There’s always a possibility head coach Martin St. Louis healthy-scratches a forward and puts together an 11-forward, 7-defenseman lineup, but it feels very unlikely.

According to Flyers beat reporter Charlie O’Connor, Michkov is trending to serve as a healthy scratch in Game 5 of the NHL‘s Stanley Cup Playoffs. During Philadelphia’s practice on Sunday, the 21-year-old Russian—who has been held scoreless in the first four games of the series—participated as an extra in line rushes.

Thus, all signs indicate Michkov will take the fall for the team’s shortcomings in Game 4 and his own rough performances so far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Sidney Crosby put the Flyers on notice as the Penguins stayed alive, and Philly doesn’t need to be told twice. After failing to close out the series against the Penguins, the Flyers are wasting no time making changes.

Fans react to Michkov’s reported healthy scratch

Reactions to the report of Michkov’s healthy scratch were mixed. Some fans in Philadelphia agree with the call, as Michkov has been a non-factor so far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Perhaps, this is the scolding he needs to find his footing. “It’ll do him good to watch a game from above,” a fan stated on social media. “I think it’s best. [Michkov] looks completely lost and struggling to keep pace,” another user wrote.

Others beg to differ. While no one denies Michkov hasn’t been playing like expected, some fans didn’t love the fact it was him who had to pay the price—again. “Scapegoating the future of the franchise,” a fan said. “I figured that as he is the easiest one to do it to,” another Flyers fan commented.

Mickhov and a complicated season

Michkov has been in the eye of the storm for a while in Philadelphia. The sophomore has built a rough relationship with head coach Rick Tocchet, who hasn’t shied away from publicly calling the Russian out all season long. It started with a comment about how Michkov didn’t arrive in shape for preseason. That was a recurrent topic Tocchet came back to often during the campaign, as Michkov had his ice time limited and his play style put on blast numerous times.

Some believe it’s all tough love; others think Tocchet has a grudge against Michkov. What’s clear is that Michkov has gotten the short end of the stick time and again in Philadelphia. Now, he is reportedly set to serve as a healthy scratch in one of the biggest games of the season for the Flyers.

If Tocchet can’t trust Michkov at this stage, it might be a breaking point for their relationship and Michkov’s confidence. It’s certainly a risky gamble on Tocchet’s part. However, it will all be forgotten by fans if Philadelphia walks out with a series-clinching victory from the City of Bridges.

Down 3-1, the series returns to Pittsburgh, where the Penguins must win their first home playoff game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs if they hope to stay alive in the 2025-26 NHL season. After being held scoreless through the first two games, Crosby has seemingly found his footing against Philadelphia.

Coming off a two-point outing against the Flyers in Game 4 at Xfinity Mobile Arena, the Pens’ captain spoke on the team’s performance. His message might as well serve as a warning to the Flyers, who have now learned the fourth win of any series is the hardest to secure.

“It’s only one, but it gives us some life,” Crosby admitted after the game, via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “That looked more like our game. And it’s probably taken us three games to look like ourselves a bit. So that’s something that we can definitely build on.”

Penguins are one game away from elimination

The Penguins have their backs against the wall. Any mistake could put them out of the race for the Stanley Cup and bring an end to what’s been an incredible 2025–26 NHL campaign. Not many expected the Pens—nor the Flyers—to be here. Still, here they are, and they have no desire to head back home early.

Luckily for Pittsburgh, this isn’t Crosby and company’s first rodeo. They’ve been here before, although they’ve never come back from a 3–0 series deficit. There’s always a first time for everything, though. That’s looking at the bright side.

Penguins could relive 2012 memories

On the other hand, the series against the Flyers could turn out to be awfully similar to the matchup in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs. That time, Crosby and the Penguins lost the first three games before prevailing in Games 4 and 5, only to be defeated in Game 6 back in the City of Brotherly Love. There’s a high chance the Pens-Flyers series goes exactly that way 14 years later. After all, history has a way of repeating itself.

Still, having looked like themselves for the first time in the series and snapping their six-game losing streak (going back to the regular season), the Penguins have reason to believe things can end up differently this time. Showings like their performance in Game 4 definitely help, and it might be just what Crosby and Pittsburgh needed to come to life.

The Rangers’ price for Trocheck has reportedly risen as trade talks around him heat up. With the 2026 free agency class set to be a rather shallow one, there may be no player gaining more traction than Trocheck. New York has great use for prospects and draft picks, so it all makes too much sense. Moreover, the longer the Blueshirts keep Trocheck in town, the more risk they will be running.

“The Rangers are going to be highly motivated to trade [Trocheck] this summer,” Vince Mercogliano stated on the Flying V podcast. “They know that this lingering into next season will not be a good thing for anyone and the longer they wait his value is likely only going to go down from there.”

Why waiting does New York no good

Though strongly criticized and constantly called into question—oftentimes rightfully so—all signs suggest president and general manager Chris Drury did the right thing by holding on to Trocheck past the March 6 trade deadline in the 2025–26 NHL campaign.

By doing so, the Rangers proved they wouldn’t simply trade Trocheck for the sake of making a move. New York held its ground and stood by its asking price. Nobody met it, so Trocheck remained a Blueshirt.

If the Rangers were to start the 2026–27 NHL season with Trocheck on the roster, that would erase all the progress Drury and the front office made. Trocheck has nothing else to prove. Teams have seen enough of him to know his value. Playing him is more likely to depreciate it rather than cause it to skyrocket. Thus, the Blueshirts will make it their goal to trade Trocheck during the summer.

Trocheck may be No. 1 candidate in offseason

Things have changed—and will continue to change—to favor the Rangers heading into the offseason. The lack of bona fide options in free agency will lure clubs into the trade market, and there may not be a stronger chip out there than Trocheck. There are great players rumored to be traded, but Trocheck’s buzz is no fugazi.

New York really wants to trade him, he is open to change, and there is no full no-movement clause (NMC) throwing a wrench in the works. Trocheck’s modified no-trade clause (M-NTC) should present no trouble, as it gives New York dozens of teams to work with on a potential trade.

Potential suitors for Trocheck

The most likely suitor will be a team coming off an early playoff exit and whose fans demand immediate action. Teams like the Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, and Minnesota Wild came really close to acquiring Trocheck during March’s deadline.

After missing the playoffs for the 10th straight season, and as Steve Yzerman admitted the team “needs better players,” fans can expect Detroit to be back in the race for Trocheck—this time with a bigger wallet (the NHL’s salary cap will go up to $104 million in 2026–27) and even more urgency to build a winning team.

The Canes and Wild could be in on Trocheck again, too, if they suffer crushing playoff eliminations yet again. With the opposite of buyers’ remorse, these three sides could all make a splash, and frankly, the suitors are limitless for Trocheck—aside from the vetoed teams on his list.

The psychology behind Trocheck’s trade buzz

Acquiring a seasoned centerman like Trocheck is the kind of move fans expect after such heartbreak, and the kind that gives executives breathing room to work with some peace and quiet before it’s October and the mayhem starts all over again. The NHL’s offseason is short—unless you miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs. With little time to work with and pressing fanbases stirring the pot behind the scenes, franchises can be rushed into crucial decisions.

New York has a lot to work on itself, but it could use this to its advantage and finally trade Trocheck without abandoning its own terms and demands. Fans in the Big Apple have been put on notice that the Blueshirts are retooling, and they know better than to expect immediate results.

Other teams aren’t in such situations, and the Rangers may benefit by pulling off the trade that could make or break their reconstruction. For Drury, it’s the kind of move that could salvage his reputation in the City That Never Sleeps.

Following a dramatic 2025–26 NHL campaign, New York is hoping for peace and quiet in the offseason. Still, it must take care of crucial pieces of business, such as Trocheck’s future. The Rangers have reportedly set their price, and a trade could finally materialize. However, that price may have gone up, which would reflect well on GM Chris Drury and company for holding on to Trocheck just a little bit longer.

“The Rangers believe they will be able to get more [for Trocheck] this summer,” as reported by Vince Mercogliano on The Flying V podcast. “I’ve talked to people around the league who think the logic is there because of the rising cap and the weak free agent class.”

Weak free agency helps out NY Rangers

There are a couple of intriguing names in the upcoming free-agent class, but none of the centers available match Trocheck’s résumé when taking into account his age, production, adaptability, and cap hit. Thus, any team in need of a veteran centerman may as well knock on New York’s door.

When there are many potential buyers but a lone seller, prices skyrocket, and the Blueshirts in the Big Apple may be the latest to benefit from that well-known rule of thumb. Trocheck will turn 33 before the 2026–27 season and will be under contract for the next three seasons. Thus, he makes for a very interesting option for any team.

Moreover, Trocheck has proven he can contribute even when things go south—like they did for the Rangers—and he will have a chip on his shoulder to chase his first Stanley Cup with whichever team he joins. There is only one condition: Trocheck wants to live on the East Coast—or as close to it as possible.

Trocheck’s modified no trade clause

By waiting until the offseason to move Trocheck, the Rangers will see his modified no-trade clause (M-NTC) shift. During the 2025–26 NHL season, Trocheck had a 12-team no-trade list. Two teams will come off that list when the new league year begins on July 1.

It’s not a huge difference, but it might be just enough for the Rangers to find a sweet spot with a team that meets their asking price (which likely includes—at a minimum—a first-round pick and a prospect) and isn’t vetoed by Trocheck. The veteran center wants to play in the East—where most of his family lives—and his no-trade list is believed to be made up entirely of West Coast organizations.

However, Trocheck can veto 10 teams, and there are 16 in the Western Conference—though some are closer to the Mississippi River than the Colorado River. Whether geography outweighs conference alignment on Trocheck’s M-NTC is a different question. If the Rangers want to end things on a good note with Trocheck, they’d be wise to send him somewhere in the East—or to Minnesota, which falls into a gray area and seems to be a place he’s particularly fond of.