This NHL offseason started with a bang. Brady Tkachuk joined his brother in Florida, Pavel Dorofeyev shipped out to the Big Apple and Vincent Trocheck went west.
The Trocheck trade stunned NHL fans and media alike. During the season, the center had 12 teams on his no-trade list. Not to mention, he wanted to stay on the East Coast.
However, that feeling changed when he heard the Utah Mammoth were interested in trading for him. So what changed his mind?
At a recent introductory press conference, Trocheck explained to the Media why he removed Utah from his no-trade list.
“Going to a team that I think can win was the most important thing for me,” said Trocheck… “Hearing how awesome the organization is and how well it’s run, that was just another added bonus.”
Why Utah?
Besides the Mammoth receiving an All-Star-caliber player, the Trocheck trade signifies that Utah continues to become a sought-after NHL market. Many Utah Jazz fans have heard that NBA players view Salt Lake City as a less desirable destination. To witness NHL players wanting to come to the market is a breath of fresh air.
When asked about why he likes Utah, forward Nick Schmaltz replied:
“It’s just a totally different level here,” Schmaltz stated. “Arizona was great. Living there was awesome. But the circumstances weren’t ideal, and this was a complete 180. Now I feel we have one of the best owners in the league that is willing to do whatever it takes.”
Defenseman John Marino echoed the same sentiment when Ryan and Ashley Smith announced their co-campus practice for both the Jazz and Mammoth.
“I think everyone in the league’s pretty well aware of this organization, how first-class it is,” said Marino. “I would assume that free agents would be excited to sign here.”
Trocheck Must Continue the Momentum
Trocheck’s arrival means the Mammoth are ready to take the next step to become annual playoff contenders. At the height of his New York Rangers career, Trocheck shined in his role. The center tallied 25 goals and 52 assists, for 77 points in the regular season. That same year (23-24), Trocheck racked up a whopping eight goals and 12 assists in the playoffs as well.
Besides offense, Trocheck can help the Mammoth on defense too. He has 1,835 hits and 7,815 faceoffs won in his career; the center will provide a much-needed physical presence to this young squad. He can lead a team to playoff glory. In the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, Trocheck helped propel the Rangers to the Eastern Conference finals.
The Proof Is in the Pudding
On paper, Trocheck makes the Mammoth better. However, he must prove it on the ice. Everyone thought the Nashville Predators created a contender when Steven Stamkos and Johnathan Marchessault signed with them.
However, the veteran group has yet to find their footing in a tight Western Conference, resulting in losing seasons. If Utah wants to continue to solidify itself as an appealing destination, the team must find success under Trocheck and other recent signee Anders Lee.
Call of the Mountains
October 1, 2026, is the most anticipated day for Mammoth Nation. Not only does it mark the start of the season, but Trocheck’s true test. Can he help get a young core back to the playoffs and even win a playoff series? It’s an exciting time to be a hockey fan in the great state of Utah. The young core continues to develop, ownership invests in the team, and the playoffs are on everyone’s mind.
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