Penguins' projected Vincent Trocheck trade comes at a big cost

It's still not obvious that the Pittsburgh Penguins will pull off a big trade before Friday's NHL deadline.

But if they do, it may be for New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck.

Trocheck is definitely on the block, and maybe the Penguins could use the gold medalist at a center spot.

Pittsburgh radio host Andrew Fillipponi shared this on X on Tuesday:

"This is a projected Penguins-Rangers trade for Pittsburgh's own Vincent Trocheck that's making the rounds: Penguins trade 2026 1st round pick 2027 2nd round pick Rutger McGroarty Prospect Bill Zonnon for Vincent Trocheck."

MORE: Maple Leafs getting help from Flyers to trade veteran center

That's not a cheap cost, but maybe it's worth it for Pittsburgh.

Trocheck has proven in his past, and at the Olympics, that he can win by doing the big things and the little things.

This season, he has played in 45 games for the Rangers. He has 12 goals and 26 assists (38 points). He also has 137 hits and 34 blocked shots.

Trocheck isn't a first-line center, but teams wouldn't be trading for him to be one.

He's a gritty guy to slot into your middle-six and know he'll get the job done while bringing a physicality to the ice, as well.

Trocheck is averaging 20 minutes and 53 seconds of ice time this season for the Rangers, so he can be plugged into any role a new team needs.

For the Penguins, especially with Sidney Crosby still out, Trocheck could make a lot of sense.

More NHL news:

• Oilers want 2 positions before the NHL trade deadline
• A salary cap rule may make 2 Flames trades difficult
• Canadiens know trade cost for Robert Thomas
• It'll be complicated to trade for Steven Stamkos
• Alex Ovechkin has shared an update on his retirement plans
• Evgeni Malkin gets big news on a possible future