The New York Rangers seemingly had control of the center market this offseason. There aren't great options on the free agent market, with the trade market being seen as the better option, even though there wasn't much star power available. Due to this, Vincent Trocheck was easily the best option for teams needing a top line center.
The decision by general manager Chris Drury to hold firm on his steep asking price seemingly paid off, as Trocheck was viewed universally by NHL insiders and experts as the top player on the trade block. This would be welcoming news for the Rangers, who are looking to retool and bring in young talent that could help now. With the lack of market, they could have reaped the rewards, especially if a bidding war took place for Trocheck.
But on Thursday afternoon, Drury and the Rangers were given news that informed them that they just lost control of the center market.
Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported the shocking news that Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade. With that, Larkin now becomes the top center available.
Rangers watch Red Wings snatch center market control away from them with Dylan Larkin trade request
Just like that, all of the control is out of Drury's hands. No longer can he hold the center market to a standstill until he gets an offer he deems adequate. Now, he has to wait on the Red Wings and Larkin to make their decision.
Larkin is a younger option than Trocheck, and shined while playing for the United States in the Winter Olympics and last year's 4 Nations Face-Off. While Trocheck is still a solid trade option, Larkin showed he could contribute on a winning team during the Winter Olympics, where he scored two goals and recorded one points in six games to help the United States win the gold medal. Plus, Larkin was the star of the Red Wings his entire career, even during their playoff drought, as evidenced by his three All-Star Game appearances.
The thing is, Larkin will hold up the market, as he carries a full no-trade clause until 2028, so he has full control on where he wants to be traded to. While teams are going to be pining for Larkin to convince him to play for their team, it will undoubtedly cause Trocheck's market to freeze until the rest of the league gets a better idea of where the Red Wings captain will end up. Then, the focus will be on Trocheck.
Ironically enough, the Red Wings were a team linked to Trocheck at this year's trade deadline. Obviously, nothing came to be, as Trocheck stayed put in New York for the rest of the season. But that was with Larkin still on the team. Now that Larkin wants out, will the Red Wings be trying to make a deal for Trocheck? As good of a player that Trocheck is, he's not at the level of Larkin. Plus, would the Red Wings even have a feasible shot at contending for the playoffs next season with Larkin gone? It might be safe to cross out the Red Wings as a potential destination for Trocheck now.
Look, there is still a while until the offseason fully kicks off on July 1, so there is time for things to materialize. Larkin is going to be the top target of the offseason now. It's confirmed. The Rangers, Drury, and Trocheck now may have to wait a bit until they can focus on trade offers with Larkin going to be the priority for many contending teams needing center help.
